Police praise Rox fans for top behaviour

Inspector John Merrick said the music and arts weekend was a joy to police.

"Overall it was a well-run, safe and enjoyable weekend, although spoilt slightly by the weather on Sunday, it didn't dampen the spirits of those that did attend," he stated.

"The event passed without incident, was good-spirited throughout and was a pleasure for officers to be involved with.

"There were no arrests made within the Rox area and no incidents or problems associated with this event.

"The success of Rox 2008 is testament to the planning and organisation of all involved and, hopefully, will be a blueprint for future Rox weekends."

Up to 60 police officers and other staff were on duty around the festival site of the Royal Norfolk Hotel during last weekend.

These were spread over the weekend and designed to give extra coverage around the town centre as well as the Rox site.

The occasion was the result of months of planning and consultation between the Rox organisation, the emergency services and Arun District Council.

Holding Rox 2008 within the hotel's grounds, with secondary stage and stall areas directly opposite, enabled the police and event organisers to easily control crowd numbers and alcohol consumption.

"We were able to maintain the integrity of the designated public place order '“ drinking control zone '“ but still police within the good spirit of the event and allow sensible drinking within the event boundaries," stated Insp Merrick.