Staffordshire Police has sought to reassure the community in Shenstone after local speculation suggested thousands could attend – although police chiefs believe this number won’t be likely
Residents of a Midlands village have been warned about a protest planned for later this month that could attract ‘thousands of people’.
The protest is set to take place in Shenstone, a village in the Lichfield area of Staffordshire, on Saturday, April 26, according to the county’s force.
Although Staffordshire Police did not specify what the protest would be about, the village has been the scene of protests for a number of years targeting a drone engine factory based there.
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An activist group called Palestine Action has staged protests against UAV Engines Ltd, which is situated on Lynn Lane.
The group claims the company makes ‘parts used in Israeli combat drones’ – a claim which UAV Engines Limited categorically denies. Read more about the protests here.
In a message issued to Shenstone residents via the Staffordshire Smart Alert service yesterday (April 17), Chief Inspector Paul Finlayson from the Lichfield policing team said Staffordshire Police was aware of an advertised march due to start from Main Street on April 26.
Ch Insp Finlayson said: “We want to offer some reassurance to the community, as we fully appreciate that many may be feeling concerned.
“We are aware of speculation circulating locally suggesting that thousands of protesters may attend.
“While we don’t have a confirmed number at this stage, we do not expect attendance to be anywhere near that scale.
“At present, we anticipate the event will be peaceful, though potentially disruptive for a short period of time.”
He added: “We completely understand the tension that ongoing protests are causing within the community, and we want to reassure you that we are working hard to reduce the impact on local life and we are looking at the cumulative effect in our legal considerations.
“This is not without its challenges, as we also have a duty to uphold the right to peaceful protest — a balance we are continually reviewing.”
Specially-trained protest liaison officers are engaging with the groups involved, he said, while police officers will deployed across the village on the day of the protest itself.
Ch Insp Finlayson said the force will consider using powers under the Public Order Act – if necessary – in order to “help manage the situation in a way that protects both the right to protest and the rights of the community”.
He continued: “At present, the legal threshold to impose such conditions has not been met — but we are closely monitoring the situation and will respond appropriately if circumstances change.
“Our aim is always to support people’s legal right to protest, while doing everything we can to minimise disruption and protect the rights of those who live and work in the area as we recognise the real impact ongoing protests can have on local people, businesses, and access to everyday services.”