English Defence League set to gather in Wellington
A large number of people are expected to gather in Wellington today as the English Defence League gather in Church Street, Wellington for a static demonstration. A counter gathering badged as a unity rally is also expected to gather in the town.
Yesterday, the Home Secretary Theresa May banned a planned march under Section 13 of the Public Order Act 1986. The decision means that all marches including a planned counter Unity march will be banned from taking place in Telford and Wrekin.
A number of businesses in Wellington have this week boarded up their windows with alcohol also taken off sale. Several businesses in Oakengates also took the decision to board their property up should any problems overspill from Wellington into Oakengates.
West Mercia Police yesterday said, there is no reason to believe there will be any trouble today - but there have been disturbances linked to these events in other towns and cities.
Chief Inspector Keith Gee of West Mercia Police said: “Even though the Home Secretary has given her consent it does not prevent any static assemblies taking place, which are still lawful provided they remain peaceful, and we have no legal powers to prevent them.
“We shall do everything possible to ensure that any assembly on Saturday remains peaceful and poses the least amount of disruption possible for those not involved in the assembly.”
“To that end we are still planning for a major police operation, involving our multi agency partners, and we will have significant numbers of police officers out on the streets to reassure our communities.”
AFC Telford United V Luton Town Cancelled
AFC Telford United’s game against Luton Town due to take place this evening at the New Buck’s Head Stadium was called off on Thursday.
Centre Closures
Telford & Wrekin Council has also taken the precautionary decision to close Wellington Civic & Leisure Centre and Wellington Library on Saturday.
Wellington Road Closures
The following roads were closed at 7am this morning and are expected to re-open at 10pm: Charlton Street, Church Street, Queen Street and Market Street. Access to the Market Street car park will be via Bridge Road.
The Ten Tree Croft car park in Queen Street and Nailors Row car park in Victoria Road will be closed from 6pm on Friday and will re-open at 8pm on Saturday.
