Busy weekend in Stirling

Stirling area commander Chief Inspector Lynn Ratcliff discusses a packed few days of events taking place in the city.

As the summer holidays draw to a close, with many pupils returning to school early next week, there are still plenty of opportunities to get out and about and enjoy the last of the summer.

Stirling is packed with exciting events over the next few days and, as ever, local officers will be out on patrol to help ensure that all of those attending enjoy themselves and stay safe.

On Monday the ICC Women’s World T20 competition began at Stirling County’s New Williamfield ground with teams from Scotland, the Netherlands and the USA competing for a place at the T20 Global qualifier.

The morning matches begin at 10am and afternoon proceedings start at 2.30pm and there is plenty of parking near to the stadium.

Community officers from Stirling will be carrying out regular checks to ensure all is well.

We are spoiled for choice this weekend, with the Stirling Highland Games taking place on Saturday next door at Stirling Sports Village.

Events kick off at 10am so I would encourage all of you who will be attending to arrive in plenty of time so that you can find a safe and legal parking space.

As I mentioned previously, make sure your car is locked when you leave it and that all valuables and bags are secured in the boot or elsewhere out of sight.

Saturday also sees a big rugby game taking place at Bridgehaugh, where Glasgow Warriors will be taking on Northampton Saints. A crowd of more than 3000 spectators is expected at this match so parking will be at a premium.

If you are coming along to the game I’d encourage you to use public transport or make your way to the ground on foot, if possible.

There is some on-street parking available in the vicinity and if you intend to make use of this I would ask that you show consideration for local residents and ensure that you are not blocking any driveways or obstructing pavements.

Any vehicles which are found to be causing an obstruction will be removed and owners will need to pay a hefty fine.

Parking will also be available within the grounds of Wallace High School, which is only a 15-minute walk from the ground, so I would encourage you to make use of this facility and help keep local streets clear and free-flowing.

Officers from Stirling community policing team will be on duty on cycle patrol in the city centre and around the stadium and officers from our road policing unit will be on hand to assist with traffic management on what will undoubtedly be an extremely busy day for the city.

However you decide to spend the day, enjoy yourself and stay safe.