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Bilderberg 2013 At Watford's Grove Hotel

Bilderberg 2013 At Watford's Grove Hotel

Some of the most powerful figures on the planet are preparing to gather for an annual summit to discuss global policy - at a venue just off an A road in Watford.

Around 150 individuals including politicians, royals, bankers, billionaires and company bosses will attend the Bilderberg 2013 meeting, being hosted at the £210-per-night Grove hotel from June 6 to 9.

No guest list is released for the event - which counts Ken Clarke among its organisers - but the clandestine yearly gathering has previously welcomed luminaries including Britain's last three prime ministers, the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Edinburgh.

George Osborne and Lord Mandelson have each attended more than one of the meetings, with diplomat Henry Kissinger, banker David Rockefeller, US federal reserve chairman Ben Bernanke and Google chief Eric Schmidt also among those invited in the past.

A large number of protesters are expected to descend on Watford to make their feelings known, with taxpayers likely to have to foot the costs of extra policing.

And residents living nearby have also voiced displeasure after being told rights of way would be closed during the event and that they would be forced to present passports, driving licences or other ID at police checkpoints.

One of those residents, Kevin Butcher, said he was unhappy about the restrictions.

"I think it's totally outrageous and it is infringing my civil liberties," he told the Watford Observer.

"We have never previously been asked for photo ID during any event at The Grove.

"We have no idea what is happening with visitors and whether they will be allowed in.

"I think people should be protesting the Bilderberg group when they come here.

"They are coming here to have a meeting which is not going to be in any way documented.

"We as the public should be allowed to know what is being decided."

Councillor George Derbyshire represents Watford's Park ward, which covers the area where the meeting takes place.

He told Sky News that he understood the need for extra security measures, but that he was concerned about the costs of extra policing.

"I think it would be wrong if the costs of this major security operation should fall on the taxpayers of Hertfordshire," he said.

"I would certainly hope that central government will pay for it."

Another local councillor, Malcolm Meerabux, was also concerned about police resources - saying anti-social behaviour was a bigger priority for the people of his ward.

"We had Tiger Woods at The Grove a few years ago for a golf tournament, but obviously nothing like this," he told Sky News.

"We've had reports that people living in the country lanes surrounding The Grove will be asked for ID by police, which is a concern.

"I also think it's important that we do not attempt to stop any protests, as the right to protest is a fundamental right."