Dispersal order planned for bank holiday derby between Redditch United and Halesowen Town
Extra officers will be on patrol around The Valley Stadium and Redditch town centre
Police are planning to put a dispersal order in place for a bank holiday football derby in Redditch.
West Mercia Police said the order is planned for Redditch United's match against Halesowen Town at The Valley Stadium on Monday 31st August.
The match kicks off at 3pm.
Why the order is being planned
The force said it recognised most supporters were well behaved and looking forward to the derby "for the right reasons", but wanted to protect them and the wider community from a minority who might seek to cause trouble.
West Mercia Police said it was working with both clubs, partner agencies and colleagues at West Midlands Police and British Transport Police to counteract any potential anti-social behaviour or disorder.
The planned Section 35 dispersal order, under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, would be in place from 11am until 7pm across a mapped area.
It gives officers the power to exclude people who cause anti-social behaviour or disorder, or where there is a reasonable belief they may do so.
What people can expect
People can expect to see an increased police presence near The Valley Stadium and the train station on Bromsgrove Road, as well as around Redditch town centre before, during and after the match.
Superintendent Helen Wain said: "We are expecting a large crowd at Monday's game with potentially more than 1,000 supporters attending.
"We recognise the vast majority of fans are there to enjoy the derby game but also want to protect everybody from a minority who could potentially cause trouble.
"If you notice more officers around the town centre on Monday, this should not alarm you. They are there to help and to prevent any anti-social behaviour or disorder and the planned dispersal order is in place to support these ends.
"Please approach the officers if you need to and they will happily assist in any way they can."