THE countdown to Creamfields is on but it need not be a nightmare for residents as police launch a help hotline.

While 45,000 revellers look forward to music from the Zutons and Prodigy, residents are being encouraged to sign up to Police Direct for message updates about the legendary festival.

It will allow officers to send out news or information and traffic alerts to people quickly and easily.

Inspector Dave Price, who is leading the Creamfields police team, said: "I want to reassure residents that we are doing everything we can to make sure this event does not disrupt day to day life for people living in the area so that they can go about their normal business and enjoy their bank holiday weekend."

More than 500 officers will be drafted in over the bank holiday weekend so neighbourhood police can continue to patrol their usual beats.

As well as reacting to incidents on a daily basis, officers have contingency plans in place to prepare for large scale events such as this.

To register with Police Direct for this event visit: www.police.uk and click on 'Police Message Broadcast- Register Here'.

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