Emergency services are gearing up for potentially the ‘busiest night of the year’ as football fever and race mania collide in Chester.

More than 20,000 punters are expected to flock to Chester Racecourse, while football fans will be packing pubs and bars across the city as England kick-start their World Cup campaign this Saturday night (June 14).

With the first race scheduled to start at 3.05pm and all licensed venues able to stay open until at least 1am – due to government extended licensing hours for England matches – the city’s emergency services are preparing for the potential impact of all-day drinking.

But despite the anticipated cumulative impact of the races and World Cup, no additional ambulances or paramedics, above the one normally added for race days, will be allocated to the city – with the North West Ambulance Service deeming the entire football tournament a ‘low risk’.

Police are warning revellers bad behaviour “will not be tolerated” and “not  to come into the city to cause trouble”, as extra officers hit the streets, ready for the England v Italy kick-off at 11pm.

Officers have already seized passports from 35 convicted ‘football hooligans’ from across Cheshire, as part of a football banning order, and are warning others could face the same fate if they behave violently or anti-socially in the city. 

Some of the venues showing the World Cup include Cruise Nightclub where doors open at 6pm – three hours early for the races crowds – with special promotions for the football until 4am, while a big screen will show the match outside The Commercial.

As part of ‘Operation Brazil’, a force wide policing campaign during the World Cup, Cheshire Constabulary will be:

  • increasing patrols in the city and across the borough specifically on England match days
  • joining a multi-force action team, in partnership with CWaC, based at the Town Hall, monitoring city CCTV on match days
  • stepping up stop-checks across the  borough to target potential drink  drivers
  • taking a ‘robust stance’ against domestic violence, by monitoring those at high risk of offending
  • clamping down on irresponsible drink promotions and licensing  

Additional officers will also be on duty at custody suites and call centres, as the force prepares for an increase in 999 calls, anti social behaviour, drink driving and domestic violence.

Temporary Chief Inspector Peter Lawless would not provide The Chronicle with a figure for the policing level in the city this weekend, or if patrols would be wearing riot gear, but said the extra police presence would specifically be for the England games.

“Anti-social behaviour is not acceptable at any time of the year, but clearly at these events the minority spoil it for the majority,” said Chief Insp Lawless.

“There will be a specific increase during England matches which have the biggest risk of any problems.

“I would ask people just to be conscious of their behaviour and the consequences it can have on others enjoyment of the World Cup.  Let’s have a  peaceful and successful World Cup.”

 Licensed premises  across the city were sent posters warning punters of the dangers of irresponsible drinking, urinating on landmarks, and domestic violence, and CWaC licensing officers say they are targeting irresponsible drink promotions by working with Cheshire Pubwatch.

And on Saturday street pastors will be in the city handing out flip-flops and bottles of water to revellers.

Chairman of Chester PubWatch Frank Marnell warned revellers they would be banned from venues in the city if they were violent during the World Cup.

“We will take a dim view of any act of violence on any licensed premises, staff member or customer which occurs during the World Cup,” said Mr Marnell.

The A&E department at the Countess of Chester Hospital is asking people to think before attending, as they deal  with ‘emergencies and life-threatening situations’.

Emergency department consultant Dr Steve Moores said: “We hope the weekend is an opportunity for local people to enjoy the races, watch a win for England in the football, but at the same time drink responsibly – as our doctors and nurses don’t want to see an influx of alcohol related admissions on Saturday night.”

While a spokesperson for the North West Ambulance Service said: “The trust have a World Cup plan in place for around the World Cup but as we are deeming it as low risk, no extra resources will be put on.”