POLICE have urged Redditch residents to be 'calm and sensible' ahead of the reopening of pubs and bars this weekend.

Many drinking establishments are set to reopen in Redditch and across Worcestershire from Saturday (July 4) as Covid-19 lockdown restrictions continue to ease.

Rachel Jones, assistant chief constable at West Mercia Police wants members of the public to enjoy this weekend sensibly and safely.

She said: “As the lifting of further restrictions takes place this weekend, our policing approach remains intelligence led. We always assess potential demand and ensure our resources are in the right place at the right time and this weekend will be no different.

“We are grateful to the vast majority of people across Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin who have worked with us throughout the Covid-19 lockdown.

"We’ve continued to take the four ‘Es’ approach of engaging, explaining and encouraging the public at different stages of the pandemic and only using enforcement action as a last resort.

"Our enforcement actions have been minimal thanks to the cooperation of our communities and we hope this will continue as further restrictions are lifted.

“We are all looking forward to a little more freedom from this weekend and we hope this is enjoyed safely with everyone remembering the restrictions that are still in place.

"We would ask people to be calm and sensible. Look after yourself, look after your family.

"We are still in a global pandemic which continues to affect local communities.”