THE Liberty Stadium management company could soon find itself taken to the civil court over its failure to pay for the cost claimed by the police of patrolling Swansea City FC home matches, the Post can reveal.

It is understood South Wales Police is claiming Swansea Stadium Management Company Limited owes around £140,000 for last season — and its bill for this season is increasing by the week.

Negotiations are continuing between the company and the police over the cost of crowd control around the Liberty Stadium, but Chief Superintendent Mark Mathias said he could not rule out legal action in an attempt to force the stadium company to pay.

He said: "I can confirm there are ongoing proceedings between the parties involved to recover the outstanding debt.

Safety

"As a direct consequence of the proceedings we have vacated the police office we had been using at the Liberty — the office was used as a base for neighbourhood policing in the local area.

"However, I must stress that South Wales Police will continue to work extremely closely with the club and the management at the Liberty to ensure all events at the stadium are staged in a safe, professional and enjoyable environment.

"Public safety and the level of policing will not be affected by these proceedings."

When asked directly whether he could rule out legal action leading to a court date in the near future, he said: "No".

Neither side is revealing much about the sums involved, but the Post understands the police are claiming £140,000 for last season.

South Wales Police announced in February 2009 it was adopting national Association of Chief Police Officers charging guidelines for policing public events.

The guidelines are designed to ensure organisers shoulder more of the cost of policing their events, rather than taxpayers picking up the tab.

Non-commercial and community events, such as charity fun runs, carnivals, religious parades and council events, get discounts.

Negotiations began between police, the Swans and the Swansea Stadium management company shortly afterwards, and have dragged on for 18 months.

"Temporary" charging arrangements to cover home games have been in place ever since.

Disorder

It is understood one of the sticking points has been over the size of the "policing footprint" in the streets around the stadium on match days.

Games are categorised by the police as A, B or C depending on the teams involved and the potential level of public disorder.

Different levels of policing attract different charges.

The biggest policing headache is caused by Swansea's home matches against rival Cardiff City.

Last season's clash with the Bluebirds cost police around £48,000 — and the clubs meet again at the Liberty Stadium on February 5.

A spokesman for Swansea City FC referred the Post to the stadium company.

A spokesman for the stadium company said: "Discussions with South Wales Police had been progressing throughout last season, and are continuing.