AN OFF-PITCH plan has been prepared to prevent rival fans clashing when Chester and Wrexham football clubs meet next week in a cup competition.

Chester police have signed up Wrexham and British Transport Police for an operation in and around the Saunders Honda Stadium for next Tuesday's game when the teams play in the quarter final of the LDV Vans North Area trophy.

Superintendent Ian Hopkins, divisional commander of Chester and Ellesmere Port Police, said: 'Historically, there's great rivalry between these two clubs.

'When they last met in 1997, a minority of so-called fans clashed. We're committed to making sure that doesn't happen again and have been working with our colleagues from North Wales Police, British Transport Police and partner agencies to make sure things run smoothly.

'Police teams will be working both inside and outside the stadium over-seeing the crowds.

'They will be supported by stewards, a network of monitored CCTV cameras, dog handlers, the Force plane and riot-trained officers.

'Undercover officers are also working among the crowds and everyone involved is linked up so they can easily communicate with one another.'

Police teams will also be at work in Wrexham and at the city's railway station to ensure journeys to and from the match, which kicks off at 7.45pm, are trouble free.

The match is ticket-only and is expected to attract a near maximum capacity crowd (6,012) however fans from opposing teams will be strictly segregated and any attempt from supporters to gain access to stadium areas other than their own will be stopped in its tracks.

Supt Hopkins said: 'It's inevitable that some individuals will try and spoil the day.

'Fortunately, the majority of football fans go along because they are true supporters of their team and causing trouble is something they wouldn't even consider.

'My officers will ensure that the needs of the majority will be safeguarded by taking the necessary action against those foolhardy individuals bent on causing trouble.

'We've got a variety of options in our approach to hooligans including football match banning orders and we won't hesitate to use them.

'All can be assured there are adequate police resources available to deal with any eventuality and I would warn any potential troublemakers to stay away or suffer the consequences of their unwanted behaviour.'

Police are not the only agencies with powers to stamp out football violence.

Landlords in and around Chester, working through the city's Pub Watch scheme, will exclude fans if they believe they are there to cause trouble.

Pub Watch members have been involved in match preparations and will be fully supported by officers before, during and after the match.

Supt Hopkins added: 'Football hooliganism will not be tolerated and I'd like to pay tribute to the efforts of Chester City and Wrexham football clubs for their strong stance.

'Genuine fans can be assured that we are working hard to make sure the beautiful game remains exactly that.'