More security for Tory conference

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/west_midlands/7638731.stm

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Security in Birmingham City Centre has been increased because of the Conservative Party Conference.

Two thousand police officers are included in the £2m security operation ready for the arrival of 1,200 Tory delegates to the city.

The conference is being held at the ICC between 28 September and 1 October.

Traffic restrictions have been put in place for the duration of the conference, but West Midlands Police said disruption would be minimal.

Traffic restrictions

Vehicle access would be stopped on Sunday along a section of Broad Street between Gas Street and Paradise Circus, and Cambridge Street between Brindley Drive and Kingston Row.

Part of Bridge Street adjacent to the Hyatt Hotel would also be limited to pedestrian access only.

Traffic restrictions are in place around the ICC during the conference

All traffic restrictions around the city centre would be lifted on Wednesday evening.

Businesses in Broad Street, Brindley Place and the surrounding area will remain open, and pedestrian access through the city has not been restricted.

Security barriers have been put in place along the roads around the ICC and there are also security measures in place on the canal network in the area.

West Midlands Police said it had developed a comprehensive security plan to cope with all eventualities.

Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Hyde said: "We are one of the most successful forces in the country, Birmingham is one of the safest core cities in the UK and we haven't got to this situation without being able to handle issues such as this or large conferences and events."

There will be an increased police presence around the city centre for the duration of the four-day conference, which has been predicted to generate £20m for the local economy.