Security operation in force at Blenheim ahead of arrival of 45 European leaders

There is no access to the palace or the footpath network crossing palace land

A huge policing operation is underway at Blenheim Palace ahead of the European Political Community meeting which is being held there on Thursday. 

The palace and its gardens and parkland were closed to the public from yesterday and footpaths across Palace land are shut from today.

The Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will be hosting more than 45 European leaders at the meeting.

Thames Valley Police’s Mounted Section has been supporting the security operation carrying out patrols.   The force’s Project Servator scheme brings together police and their partners, with business owners and the public to create what they describe as “a network of vigilance” to disrupt offenders from gathering information in busy areas.

Inspector Gemma Price, the tactical lead for the scheme, said: “Officers will be engaging with the public and businesses as part of deployments, letting them know what they are doing and reminding them to report any suspicious or unusual behaviour to us. You can help by telling a police officer or member of security staff immediately or call 101. In an emergency, always call 999.

“Project Servator is just one of the many additional security measures we have in place in and around Blenheim Palace to ensure the safety to both the delegates of the meeting as well as residents and businesses.”

As well as highly visible elements such as uniformed officers, police dogs and the mounted section, less visible elements of the security operation include plain-clothed police officers, a drone unit and CCTV cameras.

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Published: 16/07/2024 04:25pm by Banbury FM Newsteam

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