A police security cordon around The Grove hotel has now come into effect ahead of the Bilderberg Group meeting.

The security measures, which have been brought in under anti-terror legislation, mean the hotel and its grounds are closed to all non-residential guests until 2pm on Sunday, June 9.

All public rights of way across the grounds of The Grove, including the towpath of the Grand Union Canal, are now suspended for the duration of the conference.

All canal boat moorings in the vicinity of the hotel are also suspended.

Other measures include the closure of Grove Mill Lane to all non-residents. Residents attempting to use the road will be asked to provide police with photographic ID.

Pedestrians will also be prevented from walking down Hempstead Road and Langleybury Lane, south of the M25 crossing.

The secret meeting will be attended by influential figures including Chancellor George Osborne, Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls, Google CEO Eric Schmidt and former Italian president Mario Monti.

A large number of protestors are expected to descend on Watford in the next 24 hours to demonstrate against the meeting.