Take That fans given sober warning by police before gig

THEY'RE not quite back for good, but last night Take That were set to make a triumphant return to Glasgow in one of Scotland's biggest musical events of the year.

Additional police and medical staff were drafted in to the areas around Hampden Stadium in anticipation of the arrival of tens of thousands of fans coming to see the reformed boy band during their three-night stay in the city.

Yesterday, preparations for the show were visible outside of the venue, as the head of the 35-metre high "Big Man" statue that dominates the stage towered above the top of the stadium in Glasgow's South Side.

More than 156,000 people are expected to witness the extravagant stage show, which cost 50 million to construct.

Despite atrocious weather overnight, fans were queuing outside the stadium from 5am yesterday. Bars on the roads in Mount Florida and Battlefield on the way to Hampden were packed from early afternoon, as fans waited for the stadium to open its gates.

At the Church on the Hill, a large bar which sits on the main route leading from Pollokshaws Road to Hampden, staff said the bar had been full virtually from the moment they opened, with a four-deep crowd waiting to be served.

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"It's been choc-a-bloc since we opened at around midday," said one member of staff. "We haven't had any problems really, though, mainly because the majority of the people booked tables to have meals here, so they've been eating and drinking at the same time, which is better."

She said that all of the pub's dining tables had been fully-booked four weeks in advance of the concert.

Last night Strathclyde Police warned fans attending the concert about their behaviour, stating that they risked arrest if they misbehaved at the stadium.

The caution followed chaotic scenes at some of the band's other concerts on their current tour.

During an eight-night run in Manchester at least 65 drunken women, most in their 30s and 40s, were thrown out of the gigs. Some were treated for alcohol poisoning while others suffered broken wrists and sprained ankles following drunken falls.

Police had 22 reports of crime in or near the venue before, during and after the shows. Incidents included five public order offences, three assaults, several thefts - and one sexual assault.Superintendent Gillian MacDonald said: "Given recent press coverage of issues involving the consumption of alcohol at other venues, those attending should be aware that drinking alcohol in public places is an offence and police will take action, for the safety and security of all attending and for the benefit of those living in the local community around the national stadium.

"Anyone attending at the venue drunk will be prevented from getting access to the show and anyone who is so drunk that they are unable to take care of themselves properly, are likely to find themselves being taken into police custody. I would urge people not to drink too much, so as not to be disappointed and to behave appropriately with consideration for others attending and the local community, to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable night."

NHS Glasgow also confirmed that it would be bringing in extra staff to the nearby Victoria Infirmary to cope with the expected extra cases.

"As part of our regular planning for major crowd events we will ensure that our accident and emergency departments in the city are appropriately staffed," she said. "This includes extra staff at the Victoria and standby arrangements in other hospital sites as well as close communication with our on-site medical team arranged by concert organisers."

The spokeswoman confirmed that extra space had been identified in the hospital's A&E ward for the evening. She added that it was not specifically set aside for Take That fans, but that it had previously been used during particularly busy periods.

The group began arriving in Scotland on Monday, when Howard Donald and Jason Orange flew in. Robbie Williams, Gary Barlow and Mark Owen arrived yesterday.