LETTER: Cost of Burnley FC v Port Vale match?

Helicopters, dogs, specialist riot police etc. Burnley were, in the opinion of many supporters, playing a low key football club from somewhere in the Midlands with no particular grudge against its supporters. Licensed premises were ordered to employ security, serve drinks in plastic containers and close their doors after the match.

I understand public safety should be of paramount concern but surely this was overkill, after all only 2,500 away fans were in town. The chief inspector says he was pleased, but the money would in my opinion have been better spent on retaining front line officers and PCSOs.

COUN. FRANK CANT

BURNLEY