POLICE are ready to crack down hard on any troublemakers at the weekend Muse concerts, which are expected to attract Teignmouth's biggest yet crowds.

The officer in charge of policing, Insp Glen Mayhew, said they wanted everybody to have a good time and enjoy themselves, but will not tolerate any public order disturbances.

'If everybody uses common sense, I am sure it will be a great weekend for the town. But we will be on the lookout for any signs of trouble, and those responsible will be arrested.

'We do not want a small minority spoiling it for others, and with so many people in town, there are safety issues as well.'

Extra police will be on patrol, and a van will be on standby to remove any yobs among the 20,000 or more expected to flock in.

Insp Mayhew warned that Teignmouth would be packed, and traffic routes congested. He advised people not to attempt to drive into the town centre unless it was really necessary.

A park and walk scheme is being operated from Broadmeadow, where there will be room for 2,500 vehicles. The only car parks open as normal will be Quay Road and Brunswick Street, but they are likely to be busy, with Teign Street given over to disabled drivers, and Eastcliff reserved for coaches only.

Stewards will control the flow of people walking into town from Broadmeadow, and also the railway station, where extra trains are being put on.

The harbour commission is providing extra patrols to control the hundreds of boat expected to be offshore during the gigs. Boat owners are advised not to launch from Polly Steps as it will be closed off once the car park is full.

A command centre for all the emergency services and other authorities is being set up in the town centre, and a bus staffed by police and medics will be stationed in the Triangle, to give advice and help.

The police station will stay open to the public until midnight on Friday and Saturday, and the police helicopter will be on standby.

On-street parking will be severely restricted to allow routes for emergency vehicles to get through, and the Upper Den Carriageway and Den Crescent closed off, but there will still be access to the beach.

No drink or food is allowed to be taken into the concert arena, although they will be on sale inside, and Insp Mayhew pointed out that anybody trying to smuggle in drink or breaking the terms and conditions of the tickets, would be ejected. Searches will be carried out.

Teignmouth Traders' Association held a meeting with the police to discuss the traffic issues, and the chairman, Paul Nicks, said most of their concerns had been addressed, and he was sure it would mean a big boost for local businesses.

Visit http://www.teignbridge.gov.uk/muse">www.teignbridge.gov.uk/muse for detailed information, including additional transport services.

If you are going to be at the concert, then send in your photos of you and your friends to be published in future editions of the Mid-Devon Advertsier series.