Manchester atrocity prompts major security review for Edgbaston
Motorists travelling around Edgbaston and the surrounding area have been warned to expect delays over the next two weeks as the cricket ground stages a major tournament and security will be high alert.
A series of road closures will be in force following a security review provoked by the Manchester atrocity.
A full closure of Edgbaston Road, from the Pershore Road to Willows Road, will apply at peak times on the five days on which the ground stages its ICC Champions Trophy games.
The first takes place today (Friday) as the venue hosts old rivals Australia and New Zealand.
This will be followed on June 4, 7, 10 and 15.
The Edgbaston authorities have collaborated with West Midlands Police and Birmingham City Council to try and keep disruption to a minimum.
The full details are:
• June 2 – Australia v New Zealand, closures 8am-11am and 6pm-8pm
• June 4 – India v Pakistan, closures 8am-11am and 6pm-8pm
• June 7 – Pakistan v South Africa, closures 11am-2pm and 9pm-11pm
• June 10 – England v Australia, closures 8am-11am and 6pm-8pm
• June 15 – Semi-Final, closures 8am-11am and 6pm-8pm
The games of June 4 and 10 are expected to be very busy.
Neil Snowball, chief executive of Warwickshire County Cricket Club, said: “The safety of all visitors to Edgbaston is always our upmost priority, and we work closely with our key stakeholders to implement the most robust safety plans.
“In light of last week’s terrible events in Manchester, we have reviewed these plans with West Midlands Police, Birmingham City Council and the ICC and England & Wales Cricket Board delivery teams. Part of the feedback from this is to close Edgbaston Road during peak arrival and departure times on match days.
“Birmingham has proven itself as one of the most experienced and best equipped cities when it comes to hosting global sporting events and it’s a great honour to be bringing five of the biggest cricket matches in the world to the city through the ICC Champions Trophy.
“We thank all stakeholders for their support in delivering this tournament and to local residents for their patience and understanding at the processes that we are putting in place throughout this time.”
