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Police sniffer dogs searched every inch of Coventry Sports Centre before last night
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Police sniffer dogs searched every inch of Coventry Sports Centre before last night
Police sniffer dogs searched every inch of Coventry Sports Centre before last nights " big count". The building was closed to the public from 6pm and sniffer dogs, trained to seek out bombs and guns, went through the whole building - even down to the changing cubicles. The police took no risks and security was strict with more than 50 uniformed and plain clothes officers on duty. Everyone entering the building was searched and only those with the necessary passes were allowed in. Even then seperate passes were needed to get into each of the three counting halls. The head of Coventrys city centre police, Supt. Gerry Whittaker, led the security operation. When counting got under way it proved as exciting as many of the more physical clashes normally seen at the centre. Three of the parliamentary election counts were staged in the genreral sports hall, each of the counts divided off by strategically-placed badminton nets. Labour candidate Geoffrey Robinson, could not fail to be right on target at his count, for the Coventry North-West constituency - it was held in the shooting and archery range. And the normally sedate bowls room was turned into a hive of activity and excited chatter for the count of the city council votes. Labour went on to seize control of Coventry City Council in the municipal elections and Margaret Thatcher stood on the threshold of power as Britains first woman prime minister as the Conservatives took control of the country.
3rd May 1979
Coventry Telegraph Archive
Mirrorpix
Coventry
West Midlands
England
Media ID 21609210
© Mirrorpix
Counting Coventry Elections Votes Voting
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Intense Security Measures at Coventry Sports Centre for Historic Election Night Count
EDITORS COMMENTS
. In this print from May 3rd, 1979, we witness the extraordinary security measures taken at Coventry Sports Centre during a crucial election night count. Prior to the "big count" police sniffer dogs meticulously searched every nook and cranny of the building, including even the changing cubicles. With their exceptional training in detecting explosives and firearms, these canine heroes left no stone unturned. To ensure utmost safety, over 50 uniformed and plainclothes officers were on duty throughout the evening. Stringent protocols were implemented as everyone entering had to undergo thorough searches while possessing necessary passes to gain access. Even within the counting halls themselves, separate passes were required for entry. Leading this meticulous security operation was Superintendent Gerry Whittaker of Coventry's city centre police force. As counting commenced, excitement filled the air within each designated area. The general sports hall hosted three parliamentary election counts divided by strategically-placed badminton nets. Meanwhile, Labour candidate Geoffrey Robinson found himself right on target as his count took place in the shooting and archery range. The usually serene bowls room transformed into a bustling hub of activity and animated conversations during the city council vote tallying process. Ultimately, Labour triumphed in seizing control of Coventry City Council during these municipal elections. This historic event marked not only a significant political shift but also stood on the precipice of Margaret Thatcher becoming Britain's first female Prime Minister as her Conservative party gained control nationally.
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