Rovers and Clarets may claim back police cash (From Burnley and Pendle Citizen)

Rovers and Clarets may claim back police cash

4:00pm Monday 30th July 2012 in News By Catherine Pye, Health reporter

Blackburn Rovers and Burnley could follow Leeds United in recouping money from policing at games following a land-mark court case.

Leeds won its High Court action against West Yorkshire Police over who should pay for policing around the stadium on match days.

The club had argued policing streets and car parks near its Elland Road ground was the force's responsibility.

Mr Justice Eady agreed these were not special police services and said the force must repay the club.

The test case could now pave the way for other league clubs to make similar claims to recoup over-payments.

Lancashire Constabulary said the case would not change the way football was policed in the county.

Paul Agnew, general manager of Blackburn Rovers, said: “We will have a look at it and see what can be done.”

A Burnley FC spokesman said: “Burnley FC is aware of the case. Each case must be viewed on its individual merits and how it impacts on the club. The ‘footprint’ of the club will vary from ground to ground and this area should be view and agreed with the police by individual clubs.

“This case will assist in defining the footprint in some cases.”

Lancashire Constabulary Chief Superintendent Bill McMahon, the force lead on football, said: “We are aware of the test case involving West Yorkshire Police and Leeds United but we don’t see that outcome changing the way we police football here in Lancashire.

“The force has a very good working relationship with all seven of our professional football clubs in the county.

“Not all fixtures require a police presence, but for those that do, and working closely with the clubs, an appropriate policing operation will be put in place to ensure the safety of all those attending and involved in the matches.”