Ring of steel

A RING of steel has been put up around a Swindon hotel in anticipation of the arrival of VIPs attending the Royal International Air Tattoo.

Two layers of fencing including steel barriers and mesh framework surr-ound the perimeter of the De Vere Hotel in West Swindon as a precaution against a possible terrorist attack ahead of this weekend's airshow at RAF Fairford.

Police have refused to reveal the identity of the small party of special guests, other than to state that they are high-ranking foreign military officers.

Regular patrols by both armed police officers and guard dogs have been set-up outside the hotel premises in Shaw Ridge Leisure Park.

From yesterday, search teams could be seen working inside the hotel while outside gardeners were pruning back and tidying up hedges.

Senior police officers and hotel managers have tried to allay people's fears about the extensive police presence, but have admitted that the measures are necessary following the events of September 11, 2001, and the recent Iraq war.

Insp Robert Lisseman-Edge, head of specialist operations for Wiltshire Police, said: "This operation is a preventative measure to help protect the people staying in the hotel during the week of the air tattoo."

"In the current world climate we feel it is necessary to take such precaut-ions. However there has been no specific threat made.

"We just want to allay the fears of people who might be surprised at the amount of police here."

Outside the hotel, officers have coned off a section of Whitehill Way to ensure that people cannot pull over onto the grass near the hotel.

No unauthorised traffic is allowed inside the police perimeter and all hotel staff and visitors have to pass through metal detectors and are subject to having their bags searched by X-ray machines.

Insp Lisseman-Edge would not reveal the cost of the operation but said that the Royal International Air Tattoo was providing the "lion's share" of the cost.

In addition to the 50 officers from Wiltshire, there will also be officers from Gloucestershire and RAF police will also be involved in the operation, which is one of the largest of its kind undertaken in the town.

Andrew Moseley, the general manager of the De Vere Hotel, said: "Our 130 contract staff have been extremely supportive and our customers have been understanding about our gym facilities and the rest of the hotel being off-limits for the duration of this police operation."

Security at RAF Fairford will be tight once again this year.

Following last year's event, parking will once again be situated off the airfield and people will also be expected to pass through metal detectors and have their bags X-rayed.

Bob Dixon, spokesman for RIAT, said: "In this post September 11 world every public event and airshow has had to improve its security, we are not unique.

"I cannot go into all the aspects of our security operations. But we are always looking for strong security.

"This year we are trying to stay secure without inconveniencing the public too much.

"We have also brought in civilian security experts who deal with other public events to keep the security process running smoothly."

Although the extensive security operation sees much of the Shaw Ridge Leisure Park out of bounds to the public, the Great Western pub restaurant, UGC Cinema, Megabowl, and Pizza Hut are still open for business as usual.