ABOUT 45 police officers will be deployed to north Hull on Sunday in case a banned horse drive still goes ahead.
During a court hearing yesterday, Judge Jeremy Richardson warned anyone organising or taking part in the controversial event could face prison for contempt of court.
Despite assurances from the organiser that the Hull Horse Drive would not be taking place due to concerns for public safety, Hull City Council and Humberside Police say they have received intelligence that a small group were still planning to go ahead with it.
The drive was due to take place on Sunday along a route through north Hull, ending up at the Endyke pub in Endyke Lane.
But at Hull County Court, Judge Richardson added a penal notice to the injunction, applied for by Hull City Council, to emphasise those breaching the injunction could face prison.
North Carr Neighbourhood Policing Team Inspector Michael Stead said: "We welcome the decision to renew the injunction, in particular, that a penal notice has been attached.
"Hopefully, this will deter those thinking about carrying on the horse drive.
"The organiser of last year's event has told us he will not be involved in organising anything this year.
"But we are concerned there may be others who may try to hold the event.
"People are trying to make this an annual event and are hoping it will grow each year.
"But we have about 40 to 45 extra officers and PCSOs on hand to deal with the event if it happens."
Insp Stead revealed four pubs in the area have been approached to help host the event.
He said: "We have visited 16 pubs in and around the areas, with four saying they have been approached by people still looking to hold the horse drive.
"The problem for us is that this event is dangerous and we can't guarantee people's safety."
While some travellers take part in the event, the horse drive is mainly made up of horse cart enthusiasts, many local to Hull but attracting people from as far afield as Scotland.
At the county court, Judge Richardson insisted there were compelling reasons to strengthen the injunction.
He said: "I am particularly anxious as to evidence given to me relating to reaction by those who may seek to breach the injunction granted last Friday.
"It is the aim of this court to prevent the disorder that took place last year.
"It is important to make it very clear that this event shall not take place.
"I attach the penal notice to the injunction. This means there is an express warning that anyone proven to be in breach of it runs the risk of being punished if they are judged to be in contempt and that could mean being sent to prison."
The police and Hull City Council expressed concerns about the horse drive after it attracted more than 300 people last year.
The decision was made by the organiser to cancel the horse drive after a meeting with police and council officials and agreed to work with them in planning next year's event.
Following a horse drive last September, police were forced to suddenly close several streets in west Hull after travellers descended on Hawthorn Avenue in west Hull.
Similar scenes were also witnessed in Endyke Lane, north Hull, earlier last year when one trailer broke loose and narrowly missed three young children and an elderly woman.
Jane Price, area director (Riverside, West and Wyke) at Hull City Council, said: "We are pleased the court recognised our concerns about potential disruption and public safety and strengthened the injunction by making it clear that anyone who does try to proceed with the event will be in contempt of court and liable to a fine or be sent to prison.
"We strongly recommend that people do not turn up, as the consequences could be serious."
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