PARTNERSHIP WORKING FOR A SAFER SUMMER MADNESS

Police At Summer Madness

Organisations from the Isle of Wight Community Safety Partnership are working together to help ensure the island’s latest major summer music event is a safe experience.

An audience of approximately 10,000 people is expected to attend the ‘Summer Madness’, which is taking place on the Froglands farm estate near Carisbrooke Castle, Newport, Isle of Wight, this Sunday (August 29).

Community Safety Partnership organisations including Isle of Wight Council, NHS Isle of Wight and Hampshire Constabulary are co-operating closely with event promoters and security staff to maintain a friendly, relaxed environment outside the site.

Public safety within the event is the responsibility of event organisers and their security staff whilst ensuring safety outside the site is the role of police and partner agencies.

NHS Chief Medical Advisor and Director of Public Health for the island, Dr Jenifer Smith, said: “We want concert goers to enjoy themselves but also to do what they can to make sure those around them are able to do likewise, such as sensible alcohol consumption. Take precautions against the effects of sun and heat such as drinking plenty of water and applying sun cream.

“This summer holiday there have been a spate of people through our Emergency Department and admitted to our psychiatric ward who have taken legal highs such as Ivory Wave, NRG-1 and Vanilla Sky. These products are untested and unknown to medical and nursing staff; have unpredictable and sometimes violent results; and may cause long term mental and physical health problems. We just do not know enough about these. If you are offered or tempted to take these products you run the risk of becoming very ill.”

Isle of Wight District Acting Chief Inspector Paul Savill, said:  “There were no major problems with this event when it was held for the first time last year. Extra police officers will be on foot and cycle patrols again around the site so any issues that may arise can be dealt with swiftly and effectively. These include officers from the Newport Safer Neighbourhoods teams who will be familiar faces to local residents. The standard level of policing across the Isle of Wight will be reinforced by the presence of extra officers on Sunday.

“The roads around Carisbrooke are not designed for heavy use so the organisers and Isle of Wight Council have put in place in a traffic management plan. I would ask those attending to follow this advice to minimise delays and disruption at the event and in the surrounding area.”

For transport and traffic information, go online to the following pages:

Transport arrangements

http://www.iwight.com/living_here/getting_around/car_roadworks_detail.asp?rwId=10594

Traffic and parking restrictions

http://www.iwight.com/living_here/getting_around/car_roadworks_detail.asp?rwId=10593

Footpath and bridleway closures

http://www.iwight.com/living_here/getting_around/car_roadworks_detail.asp?rwId=10592

Isle of Wight Council Licensing officers are working with the organisers and partner agencies to ensure that all of the licensing conditions will be complied with. Officers will have a presence on site over the weekend to ensure that compliance is maintained. The licensing team will also be manning a telephone hotline to deal with concerns. This is available on 01983 823159 between 1200hrs (midday) and 0000hrs.