Still no date for Wootton Bassett protest march (From Swindon Advertiser)

Still no date for Wootton Bassett protest march

9:00pm Wednesday 6th January 2010

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POLICE chiefs and Wiltshire Council bosses have said they are still to receive a formal notice from the leader of Islam4UK regarding their Wootton Bassett march.

Over the past few days Wiltshire Council and Wiltshire Police have consulted a number of community groups and partner agencies, including local councils, the military and local Muslim groups.

In a joint statement they said: “It is clear the suggestion, by the group calling themselves Islam4UK, to conduct a procession within Wootton Bassett, has caused significant and understandable concern.

“We have been assured by the leader of Islam4UK that the required six days notice to the police will be forthcoming if any march is to be formally proposed.

“No such notice has to date been received.

“It is the intention of Wiltshire Police to mount a proportionate response to any proposed march by any organisation. The Public Order Act 1986 is clear in relation to the formal steps which may be sought in order to ensure public safety.

“If the police reasonably believe that a procession may result in serious disorder, serious damage or serious disruption to the life of the community, the police may impose conditions with regard to the time, date and specific circumstances of the march.

“If the Chief Officer of Police considers that the imposition of conditions is not sufficient to prevent serious public disorder, an application would be made to Wiltshire Council for a prohibition order. “The consent of the Home Secretary is also required.

“The priority for Wiltshire Police, Wiltshire Council and the wider community is to ensure the maintenance of public order, ensuring public safety and protecting the rights of others.

“We are fortunate that our communities live peacefully together in Wiltshire. It is imperative that we work together to ensure that this is maintained. “We wish to repeat that the police have received no notice of intention to march in Wootton Bassett from Islam4UK.”

The leader of the group, Anjem Choudary, has been saying for the past few days that he would be seeking permission from the council “in the next few days”.

News of the proposed march has sparked worldwide outrage with a Facebook group in opposition attracting more than 400,000 members.

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