Hertfordshire Constabulary is going to apply for compensation to cover the cost of policing the NATO event.

Police liaised with several other forces, including the Met, to protect The Grove hotel and grounds during the NATO summit in Watford last week.

There was a huge security operation as the town welcomed world leaders, including US President Donald Trump, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and French President Emannuel Macron. 

Hundreds of officers were scattered around the perimeter of The Grove, including from across Hertfordshire.

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Police outside The Grove. Credit: PA

Hillingdon Times:

Police in Hempstead Road. Credit: Holly Cant

Hillingdon Times:

Police motorcyclists on one of their regular patrols in and around The Grove. Credit: Holly Cant

The expense of hosting the NATO summit is not being revealed but a spokesman for the Foreign & Commonwealth Office has confirmed that Hertfordshire Constabulary can apply for additional funding.

The Police Special Grant allows police forces experiencing unexpected or exceptional costs to apply for additional funding, with any application "carefully considered" in line with public guidance.

The spokesman added that the Home Office is currently engaging with Hertfordshire Constabulary and the Met Police on the NATO programme. 

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A police presence on Hunton Bridge roundabout on December 4

Meanwhile, Hertfordshire Constabulary are pleased that the county’s biggest ever pre-planned policing event passed without incident.

In preparation for the summit, officers from safer neighbourhood teams talked with residents, businesses from both inside and outside the security perimeter.

Near The Grove, there was a small and peaceful demonstration held against President Trump and NATO.

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Protesters at The Grove on Decmber 4 Photo credits: Holly Cant

Traffic was the biggest disruption to residents with several roads closed including Hempstead Road.

All road closures were lifted by 10.30pm on December 4.

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Queuing traffic on the A41 towards the Dome roundabout, Watford, on the morning of December 4

Hillingdon Times:

Queuing traffic on the A41 towards the Dome roundabout, Watford, on the morning of December 4

Chief Superintendent Matt Nicholls said: “As we return to normality, we would like to thank the residents, commuters and visitors for their patience and understanding in the wake of this event.

“We appreciate that it did have an impact on their day-to-day lives, but I hope that they feel we policed the event proportionately, and they were able to make informed decisions about their plans after receiving timely information from us.

“Officers who weren’t directly involved in the operation maintained daily business across the county and ensured residents received the same level of service they expect and deserve.

“Of course, none of this was done in isolation, as throughout the whole process we worked in close partnership with colleagues from the Metropolitan Police Service, British Transport Police and mutual aid forces, as well as Her Majesty’s Government.

“We also would not have been able to deliver the operation without vital support from our many local partners, including Hertfordshire County Council, Watford Borough Council and Three Rivers District Council as well as our fellow fire and ambulance service colleagues and local NHS trusts.”