Large police presence planned for Taunton protests this weekend
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Nov, 07:01 · Archive
Avon and Somerset Police will deploy officers in Taunton town centre on Saturday, November 14, as a protest and counter-protest take place.
A protest and counter-protest are expected to take place in Taunton town centre on Saturday, November 14, from around midday. The events were originally planned for the following week but moved earlier to avoid clashing with Winterfest, the town's Christmas festivities day.
Avon and Somerset Police will deploy a large presence in the town centre. As part of the operation, a dispersal zone will be in place from 9am to 6pm under sections 34 and 35 of the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. Such powers allow officers to direct people to leave an area where their behaviour has caused, or is considered likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress.
Police said officers will be on the ground to enable peaceful protest and ensure the safety of those attending and the wider public. Neighbourhood Chief Inspector Rebecca Wells-Cole said: 'We know protests have the potential to cause concern, but we have significant experience in enabling events of this nature to take place peacefully and safely.' Police said they will not tolerate criminality and will follow well-rehearsed plans, with action taken wherever offences are identified.
How it is being reported
- Police enforce dispersal zone ahead of Taunton protestsAnyone who does not protest peacefully will be removed from the areaSomersetLive · 14 Nov, 06:27
- Large police presence planned as Taunton protests set to return this weekendOfficers will have additional powers as part of a policing operation planned to manage protests in Taunton on Saturday, November 14Somerset County Gazette · 13 Nov, 16:00
In this story: Avon and Somerset Police · Taunton · Rebecca Wells-Cole
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