Pub landlords have no fears of firefight troops (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Pub landlords have no fears of firefight troops

POLICE are seeking to reassure landlords that they are ready to crack down on any trouble arising from the influx of troops into Moreton.

An estimated 1,600 troops from all three branches of the armed forces are due to arrive at the Fire Service College in the next few days. A further 1,600 are due to arrive in four weeks' time.

They are taking part in Operation Fresco, a government-ordered exercise in which 3,200 troops are undergoing intensive four-week training courses to equip them to tackle fires in the event of a firefighters strike.

Although military personnel are expected to be spending 12 to 14 hours a day training, and entertainment is being provided at the college site to discourage them from going into Moreton, they will not be prohibited from visiting the town during their free time.

Police have been in contact with local landlords and hoteliers to advise them on policing during the military deployment.

Gloucestershire Constabulary spokesman Matt Ford said: "We're already visiting local licensees to advise them of the situation and we'll be liaising with the Military Police to ensure we are best placed to deal with any situation that may arise."

Moreton landlords were this week insisting that they were not worried about the situation and that the troops would be welcome in their pubs.

Jim Steele, landlord of the Black Bear Inn in the High Street, said on Monday: "I had a few Navy lads in last night and they were as good as gold. They are the same as everybody else.

"They are perfectly welcome at the Bear. I don't expect any hassle and we don't have any hassle.

"Everybody says the locals will be upset. That's a load of rubbish. It's more money for the town. Everybody is making a big thing about fights. That may have happened 30 years ago."

Wayne Branagh, landlord of the Inn-on-the-Marsh, said police were advising people to use common sense.

"Basically what they said is that we, the licensees, have the full backing of the local constabulary and if there are any problems just call the police straight away," said Mr Branagh.

"It's not going to exactly turn into Aldershot. As far as I know the service personnel that are up there are being kept as busy as possible.

"I suppose at some point they are going to let off steam but we aren't that sort of pub," he said.

Alistair Dempster, manager of the Redesdale Arms Hotel, said the hotel was usually frequented by firefighters during the week so things would not be much different.

Dave Johnson, chairman of the Royal British Legion Club in New Road, which runs a weekly Tuesday night disco, said: "If they did want to come, as serving service personnel, they would be welcome."

David Nieberg, spokesman for the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, said the police had told him that "as far as they are concerned there shouldn't be an issue."

Members of the Fire Brigades Union are being balloted on possible strike action over pay and Bank Holiday working. If members vote in favour of strike action the first stoppage could take place on September 7.