8:55am Wednesday 8th September 2010
Supporters and protestors should stay away from the Pope’s residency when he comes to Wimbledon, Merton police have urged.
Superintendent Pete Dobson, who is co-ordinating the force’s response to the visit, said the Pope might not be be visible to the public at any point during his stay in Wimbledon Village - and confirmed the pontiff would not be appearing in his famous popemobile.
However, police have drawn up contingency plans to deal with the crowds expected to gather during his stay - including possible road closures in the event of a mass protest.
The pope will stay at the Apostolic Nunciature in Parkside, the home of the Vatican’s ambassador to Britain, during the trip from next Thursday to next Sunday.
However, he will arrive and leave the venue in a blacked-out limousine - and will only be seen by the public if he appears at a window to wave to the crowds.
Supt Dobson urged well-wishers and those opposed to the visit to gather at the Pope’s official appearances instead. But he said security plans were in place, which could include the closure of Parkside and half of Wimbledon High Street in the “unlikely” event that thousands of protestors try and disrupt his stay.
Supt Dobson said lawful protests would be allowed at the site, and if their organisers contacted the police in advance they may be allocated a space outside the nunciature. Supporters and demonstrators will be directed to the area of grass immediately across the road from the nunciature, while passersby will be allowed to walk past the gates of the building.
He said: “The nunciature is being used as a private residency. I would advise anyone wanting to see Pope Benedict XVI to visit one of his public engagements.”
Alfreton Close, a cul-de-sac 50m from the nunciature, will be closed to most traffic during the stay - but residents will be handed passes allowing them access to their road.
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