PEOPLE planning to attend two protests planned in Warrington tomorrow (Saturday) are being urged by Police to take extra care to help keep themselves and others safe.
The two protests involve a second demonstration by the Black Lives Matter Warrington Group, who are congregating at Golden Gates, before marching through town and the Protect Warrington Cenotaph Group.
Coronavirus remains a deadly disease and the force is reminding people that restrictions remain in place to prevent its spread, which include not gathering outside in groups of more than six people.
Superintendent Richard Rees said: “We are aware of two planned protests, which are taking place in Warrington this weekend.
“Proportionate policing plans have been put in place and we are working closely with those taking part.
“The rights to protest are well established in this country; however personal responsibility is key. We would urge people to ensure they are fully aware of the regulations that remain in place before they attend and to take every precaution to keep themselves and others safe.
“We will continue to use common sense and discretion to determine what is reasonable, with officers engaging, explaining, encouraging and, only as a last resort, enforcing.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to remind people we cannot enforce social distancing and are relying on your good nature to remember to keep two metres apart.
“Keep in mind the purpose of the regulations and the national effort to protect the NHS and save lives.”
Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane: “I continue to give my full support to Cheshire residents who want to make their voices heard on this important issue.
“The protests we have seen in Cheshire so far have passed peacefully and I call for anyone planning to attend events over the weekend to take extra care.
“We have a duty to ourselves and each other to stay safe and to keep in mind social distancing guidelines in place to protect our NHS and save lives.
“I wish all the residents of Cheshire a safe weekend.”
BLM Warrington spokesperson Tomei Swan said: “BLM Warrington is made up of a diverse group with a shared goal of equality. Our aim as a group is to share educational resources on topics such as black history, white privilege, systemic and institutional racism as well as create events to raise awareness of the movement.
“The stories of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor were really what catapulted the solidarity across the world this past month. We did what we could to help but petitions and donations weren’t enough; our members wanted to do more, so we came together to help educate, support, and raise awareness of the injustice, not just in America but here in the UK, and specifically Warrington, and allow our voices to be heard.
“We want to create a safe space for positive discussion about race. We also recognise that our community here, as a town, has a voice when it comes to making a change, and we must use it. BLM Warrington have been working alongside the police, the council, and other organisations in Warrington to meet our shared goal. Having the support of our community has been a very amazing feeling because we know we do not stand alone.
“On June 20, 2020, at 2PM, we will be hosting our 2nd peaceful protest against the recent police brutality in the US at the Town Hall. Social distancing measures will be in place and we will be safely marching through town to show solidarity to our brothers and sisters that have been affected.
“We take pride in engaging with the community and letting everyone feel like they’re being heard. To do this, we have opened our inboxes for suggestions on topics of change the public would like to see. Allowed for our platforms to be a space for artists, singers, and creatives who want to be apart of our demonstrations, and even called out for Black businesses to have a space for advertising on our social media sites. We are doing our part in making our Warrington a better place.”
Terry Webb from the Protect Warrington Cenotaph Group said: “We will be there to ensure the Cenotaph is not vandalised and no other reason.
“This is not a racist group but a group to protect the Cenotaph and ensure it stay’s in the condition it is now so please if you have any other agenda stay away.
Remember please, no racist comments, no inciting violence, no hate speeches and no swearing.”
Warrington Cenotaph
7 Comments
Lets hope those gathering to protect our monuments can avoid taking a piss next to them this time.
I support the aims of the BLM movement but I do not support the actions they are taking. It is not necessary to take to the streets, nor is it effective. In fact, in the event of violence, or vandalism it could prove counter-productive. Sign petitions, write to the press and to people in influential positions (such as MPs). But do not march, especially not in a town where there is no significant problem and at a time when there is a lockdown due to the risk of spreading a lethal virus I would say exactly the same to any group protesting on any issue.
Oh my goodness Ivor, I’ve lived here for over 50 years and my children have suffered racists taunts – believe me, it’s here in Warrington.
You only have to read what’s posted on some of the local Facebook pages to see that.
Really? We’re protesting & marching to get people’s attention!!! Sometimes writing & petitioning to those in authority needs to be reinforced with peaceful action….Consider it fortunate that we’re seeking equality & justice in this moment (💯All lives Can’t Matter UNTIL BLACK LIVES EQUALLY DO💯)
Why do you call people who are guardians of our warrington our cenotaph (protestors)we aren’t protesting anything.we just don’t want the BLM activists to destroy our history.as they have done in every peaceful march they have initiated.
Would you like to name and provide evidence of any history the peaceful BLM marchers have destroyed.
what a bunch of non binary losers. They’re only protesting so they can post a video on their tik tok pretending they care for likes. Its sad that people have to protect our war memorials from there parasites. The worlds gone mad.