TIGHT security arrangements are under way in preparation for a meeting of European Union ministers in the region next month.

And while there is no specific intelligence to suggest the event will be targeted by terrorists, a spokesman for Northumbria police said yesterday: "No one can afford to be complacent."

The spokesman refused to put a figure on the costs involved, but said it would be a much smaller operation than that at the recent Labour Party Conference, in Gateshead, which cost £2.8m - of which half was paid for by the Home Office.

The EU ministers will meet at the Marriott Hotel, in Gosforth, Newcastle, from September 7 to 9.

The spokesman said: "Playing host to international government ministers involves tight security, but Northumbria Police and partner agencies are working hard to balance the necessary security requirements with the needs of residents and businesses.

"The right balance between public reassurance, safety, and speed of response has to be achieved and the force hopes people will take reassurance from the high-profile policing operation being put in place."

As the event is being held on private land, traffic disruption is expected to be minimal.

A race meeting at neighbouring Newcastle Racecourse will go ahead as normal on September 5.

The Marriott Hotel and the racecourse are at the heart of the security operation and a secure area will be created around the site with only people with authorised passes allowed access.

Police are also aware that the hotel car park is used by some people who leave their cars there before going on to Newcastle Airport to fly off on holiday.

However, they said that, once the area is secured, any cars unaccounted for will be removed and stored at the owners' expense.

Police have also appealed to the public to be vigilant during the period of the meeting and urge people who see anyone acting suspiciously, or notice strange vehicles or see packages left unattended, to contact them, on 0191-214 6555, or the anti-terrorism hotline, on 0800 789321.