Graham Turner is not prepared to pay vicinity policing costs

Hereford United chairman Graham Turner says he is prepared to take his local police force to the High Court over what he sees are unfair costs.

The Bulls boss thinks charges made to his club by West Mercia Police for vicinity policing are unjustified.

"If they are on our property, I can understand them seeking recompense," he told BBC Hereford & Worcester

"But it's the policing of the area around the ground that is being charged for so we are totally against paying."

The United chairman says he is not aware of another club in the country being asked to pay for vicinity charges.

Turner is aware of the case at Wigan Athletic where the courts ruled in favour of Greater Manchester Police, but he claims this is a different situation as the club was being billed for officers who were patrolling their property.

"In conversations with our legal team I am confident that we have got a good case," Turner said, "but it could be fraught with difficulties.

"It could finish up in the High Court, but I would like to think not.

"Certainly our legal team's thoughts on it are that we have a good case," he added.

West Mercia Police have said their discussions with the football club are ongoing and remain amicable.

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