OPERATION PROTECTOR IS SET TO GO INTO FULL SWING AS THE TORY PARTY CONFERENCE ROLLS INTO TOWN

The annual Tory Party Conference is coming to town once more and with tens of thousands expected to flood into Manchester the police are leaving no stone un-turned in order to keep the peace. 

With counter-demonstrations planned and both of the cities football teams set to do battle on home turf this weekend, the police will effectively have the city centre on lock-down for the week and a ring of steel in place around the Manchester Central venue.

It is thought that GMP will be drafting in officers and resources from other areas of Greater Manchester in order to ensure that everything goes smoothly.

It was initially thought that the conference would be cancelled at a huge loss of an estimated £32m to the local economy.

With tensions already running high over Brexit and with demonstrations and anti-Tory rallies planned, GMP ensuring that there is a highly visible presence. 

Protesters will be making their own way to Manchester for the planned 'Reject Brexit' rally on Sunday and the infamous Boris Blimp will be following the beleaguered PM all the way from its usual home in Westminster.

The Peoples Assembly will also be marching against the Governments austerity measures.

Shoppers and those commuting into the city centre should be aware of potential traffic disruption over the coming week.

TfGM are advising travellers to keep an eye on their website so as to be kept up-to-date.

Chief Superintendent Wasim Chaudhry, Gold Commander in charge of policing the Conservative Party Conference 2019, said:

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“The hosting of party conferences brings tens of thousands of visitors to the city, supporting local businesses and the local economy; it is testament to Manchester being an iconic venue for major events.

“GMP, in conjunction with a strong multiagency partnership, has a vast amount of experience in planning and hosting the large security operations needed to successfully manage events such as this.

“Officers will be visible in the city throughout the conference period as part of Operation Protector, and we aim to ensure the event’s security and implement plans to manage any wider impact upon the rest of Manchester.

“Sunday 29 September will likely be a busy day in the city centre, because as well as welcoming delegates to the start of the conference, there will also be a number of demonstrations and rallies in Manchester –with tens of thousands of people expected to attend.

“As with many events of this nature, emotions can run high and while everyone has the right to peacefully protest, anyone behaving in a manner which is done to intimidate others or crosses into committing criminal offences will be dealt with appropriately.”

For travel advice and road closure details visit https://tfgm.com/travel-updates/conservative-party-conference-2019 and https://tfgm.com/travel-updates/sunday-29-september