Public reassured ahead of planned protest in Wellington

The protest is due to take place on Saturday afternoon, with a counter protest also anticipated.

West Mercia Police say that officers will be on duty in and around Wellington town to ensure both sides engage in peaceful protest.

Local policing commander for Telford, Superintendent Paul Moxley said:

"We're well equipped to deal with such events and have plans in place to make sure disruption is kept to an absolute minimum for the businesses and residents of Wellington. People may see extra officers in the town but they shouldn't be alarmed about this. They're primarily there to offer reassurance and speak to the local community about any concerns they may have and I would urge people to stop and speak to our officers if they do have any concerns.

"We and the local authority understand the frustrations people may have about protests taking place in the town but it's important to stress that the right to peaceful protest is a democratic right which police do not have the powers to ban.

"Our role is very much to act in a neutral capacity and we will liaise with the organisers to ensure that any disruption to our local communities is kept to an absolute minimum, with public safety always our absolute priority."