Parts of Birmingham city centre are being sealed off for 'security reasons'

Parts of Birmingham city centre will be sealed off this weekend for 'security reasons' ahead of a major conference. Restriction notices have been placed around Westside ahead of planned road and footpath closures.

A security zone is being constructed around the International Convention Centre (ICC) ahead of the Tory party conference. Concrete blocks housing a 'ring of steel' will secure the area, Westside BID said today.

The conference, the first since the party's general election defeat will see MP's, will be held on Sunday, September 29 until Thursday, October 3. The new Pizza Express at Brindleyplace will also be closed to the public for up to four days - just two weeks after it opened.

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Posters placed around the canal network read: "The Conservative party conference is to be held at the International Convention Centre from Sunday, 29 September until Thursday, 3 October, 2024.

"For security reasons, restrictions will be imposed to the canal and towpath on the Birmingham New Main Line at the rear of the ICC to the Broad Street tunnel from 7am on Friday, 27 September. If you require any further information, please contact Canal & River Trust on 0303 040 4040."

The new Pizza Express at the ICC will also be closed to the public all day from Sunday, September 29 to Tuesday, October 2

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Ahead of the event, West Midlands Police said it would be working with organisers to ensure 'a safe and secure event.' The force said additional officers and armed units would be carrying out patrols in the vicinity of the ICC.

Chief Superintendent Sarah Burton, who is leading the operation, said: "We're proud to be working alongside our partners to deliver a safe and secure event in Birmingham.

"We are aware there will be some disruption caused as people move through the city, but this has been done to balance the needs of the public right of way with the need for a secure conference site. As always, we're asking the public to report any suspicious activity to let us know via 101 or Live Chat."