West Midlands Police wishes you an enjoyable Eid. In Birmingham celebrations usually centre around the Alum Rock Road and more recently Ladypool Road. To aid the celebrations there will be a discreet policing operation in place similar to those of previous years. We are expecting main Eid celebrations to take place on Thursday the 8th or Friday 9th August. The main focus of this will be around safety. As most of the issues are traffic related, to minimise disruption we will have traffic officers on duty to help us. This year the council will be closing Ladypool Road to vehicle traffic between Ombersley Road/Studley Street and Clifton Roads between 8pm and 1am on the eve of Eid. This will be marshalled by security staff and local volunteers; locally more details are available through Mathew Powell, the Town Centre Manager. I am aware that a number of recent incidents such as the Mosque bombings have raised concerns, particularly within the Muslim community. But as you are aware, a man has been arrested and charged in relation to this matter and we have no information to suggest Eid celebrations will be targeted. I remain grateful to community volunteers and those from Faith Watch, who wear florescent bibs and patrol with our local officers, and to those who have advised me in putting this operation together. May I offer my warmest wishes for Eid-al-fitr and I hope that you, your family and friends have a very enjoyable day. Surjeet Manku QPM Chief Superintendent – Police Silver Commander for Eid.
Posted on: Sat, 03 Aug 2013 21:14:52 +0000