Herald Express 2009-08-29 – 'Walk to Muse concerts to reduce traffic chaos'

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'Walk to Muse concerts to reduce traffic chaos'

Saturday, August 29, 2009, 07:00

PROMINENT buildings and leisure areas on Teignmouth's Den will be fenced and closed off to prevent Muse fans climbing on them during the Seaside Rendezvous gigs.

The Carlton Theatre and the bowling club are being fenced off and patrolled by marshals so people don't attempt to scale them during the supergroup's gigs.

The adventure golf and play area will be guarded by security during and after the events.

But it will be business as usual for the attractions in the daytime before the concerts.

With less than a week to go, authorities are swinging into action with plans to manage the hugely anticipated homecoming of the award-winning trio.

Construction work to transform the Den into an open-air mini-stadium starts on Tuesday, with a three-metre solid fence being put up around it.

Teignmouth police are reassuring visitors, businesses and residents disruption will be kept to a minimum.

Teignmouth inspector Chris Shaw said: "There will be some disruption but the plan is to minimise that, allow everyone to function as normal and make sure the event goes ahead safely."

Police are working with organisers, SJM Ltd, Teignbridge Council, and other emergency and health services to ensure the Seaside Rendezvous concerts run smoothly.

Sections of Den Crescent, from Carlton Place to Brunswick Place, will be closed from Friday until next Monday.

People will still be able to drive to Den Crescent and to get through town via the one-way system.

Devon County Council, as highways authority, has issued a temporary traffic order allowing the closure of up to 28 roads in the town.

But police do not intend to use the restrictions unless 'absolutely necessary', Insp Shaw said.

"The order gives us statutory powers to close any areas if it is absolutely necessary.

"This may be for public safety reasons or traffic management.

"We are not closing off Teignmouth."

The gigs are expected to start at 7.30pm on each night with gates opening at 6pm, or earlier if long queues form.

He urged concert-goers to 'walk everywhere' to keep traffic jams down and to expect delays when leaving car parks afterwards.

He said: "People who are travelling into Teignmouth from outside should expect it not to be easy when they leave the car parks.

"We would urge any local residents who are coming along to walk to The Den if they can."

Teignmouth's neighbourhood beat team is headed by Sergeant Russell Dawe.

He said: "It is going to be a busy weekend but the town will be going about its business as usual.

"We will still have the usual levels of policing in Teignmouth and Dawlish but extra resources are being paid for by the organisers to look after the inside and outside areas of the Den.

"The neighbourhood beat team will also be on to make sure there are no problems."

Police say they are 'well prepared' in dealing with large crowds.

Sgt Dawe added: "Last weekend we had 80,000 in Dawlish for the air show and carnival and there was not one arrest, nor were there any incidents.

"We are well prepared in dealing with large numbers of people and this event should be no different."

A Teignbridge Council spokesman said: "We've been looking closely at the various issues surrounding health and safety on the Den, and comprehensive plans have been made.

"All Teignbridge assets and potential hazards will be fenced off and marshalled throughout the event.

"This will help us make sure that everyone can enjoy this huge event without putting themselves or others at risk."

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