Gypsy's funeral in Chester goes without hitch - Cheshire

From Chester First

POLICE have described its operation to deal with anticipated high numbers of mourners at Gypsy’s funeral in Chester yesterday.

Police had been expecting large numbers of up to 1,000 people to pay their respects to an Ellesmere Port woman from the Travelling community, and had been prepared for severe transport disruption in certain areas of the city.

Police had put measures in place to minimise disruption, with a horse- drawn carriage cortège and walking procession making its way from Walker Street, Hoole, to Blacon Crematorium yesterday morning. But numbers were far less than anticipated, with around 200 mourners present.

Insp Kevin Chambers of Chester Inner Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “The numbers were far less than we expected. It meant the operation ran smoothly and was successful.

“We liaised with residents and businesses who would have been affected by delays and had measures in place to ensure we could deal with large numbers of mourners and manage the situation.

“We identified possible hot spots for trouble and the event passed with minimum disruption. We also had to make sure we kept things running smoothly for other families who were having loved ones interred at the crematorium so no delays occurred.

“While the numbers, were far less than we anticipated, we had to make sure and plan for what we received information on. It is a case of being damned if you do, damned if you don’t. We had to make sure we were ready for any eventuality.”