Police move planned anti-immigration protest in Mold after safety concerns
North Wales Police has imposed a legal condition on a planned anti-immigration protest in Mold this weekend.
The protest, due to take place in Mold town centre on Saturday 29 November, will now be relocated to The Coach Park, New Street following a decision by the Chief Constable under Section 14 of the Public Order Act 1986.
Police said the move came after discussions with organisers failed to reach a compromise over the original location of the event.
The restriction applies to both the protest and any counter protest, with the new site situated a short distance from the town centre and within sight of the original location.
Failing to comply with the condition is a criminal offence, and anyone who does not follow the direction may be arrested, police have said.
According to police, the condition was imposed after concerns from residents and businesses about disruption caused by previous protests in Mold in recent months.
Assistant Chief Constable Chris Allsop said: “We remain committed to facilitating lawful and peaceful protest and ensuring that anyone who wants to make their voice heard can do so lawfully.
“However, we also have a duty to ensure that the rights of all members of the community are respected and protected with minimum disruption to the wider public, which includes residents, businesses and those visiting the town in the run up to Christmas.
“Over recent weeks, North Wales Police has received concerns from residents and business describing the impact of previous protest activity and that further protest at the original site could intimidate the wider public and families who are residents in the area, who may be considered the target of the protest.
“Everyone has the right to live in peace, feel safe in their own home, and to go about their daily life. This condition is designed to strike a fair balance between competing rights and ensuring that protest does not come at the expense of public safety and community wellbeing.
“We will continue to engage with organisers and participants to ensure that everyone understands the conditions and the reasons behind the restrictions.
“While we have no reason to expect disorder on Saturday, we will deal robustly with anyone who chooses to commit criminal offences.”
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