Planet Swans ArchivesIn a lengthy ongoing series of negotiations, major sporting venues and clubs have been locked in talks to try and come to an agreement of the overall cost of SPS (Special Policing Services) at the Liberty Stadium next season and who should ultimately pay the bill.
It is not the first time that the board and representatives from the police have not seen eye to eye regarding policing costs. Chief constable Barbara Wilding caused a stir back in February when she demanded that organisations should pay more for Policing games in Wales's premier sports venues including the Liberty Stadium. Ms Wilding claimed that the club paid only £25,000 of a £250,000 bill for the derby between Swansea City and Cardiff back in November of last year.
Facing a £9 million funding shortfall this year and increasing to a projected £14 million next year, South Wales Police want to minimise this deficit by increasing policing costs for sporting events.
Such are the escalating policing costs to the club, this season a new price band,category A has been put in place to bring in more revenue to cover those costs under the SPS remit.
Both parties have refused to reveal the costs of individual games until an agreement is sought.
