DEMONSTRATION IN LUTON
Saturday 27 June 2015
Information for businesses and licensed premises
Britain First has given notice of its intention to hold a demonstration in Luton on the above date. A counter demonstration is also set to take place – however those details are still being confirmed.
Bedfordshire Police has imposed conditions to prevent public disorder or disruption to the town.
Britain First will assemble in Midland Road outside Luton Railway Station then proceed along High Town Road, turn right into Burr Street, right into Hitchin Road and Church Street then right into Guildford Street before finishing on land adjacent to Bute Street 'shoppers' car park. Bute Street car park will remain open for people to use.
Following the demonstration police officers will then escort attendees back to the railway station.
The demonstration must take place and be completed between 1pm and 4pm on Saturday.
The locations have been selected in order to achieve the aims of the policing operation, which are to ensure public safety while facilitatingpeacefulprotest, to satisfy the requests of the community to maintain access to Luton town centre and Bury Park, and to allow businesses to trade as normal.
St George’s Square will be kept free for the residents of Luton to use, and town centre and Bury Park shops, including The Mall, will be open for ‘business as usual’.
Luton Borough Council and Bedfordshire Police will continue to work closely together to ensure the protests pass peacefully. Policing during the protests will firm, but fair and proportionate.
We intend to enable businesses and shops to continue to trade as normal and to ensure any disruption is kept to a minimum. You will see a lot of police activity in your area before, during and after the events to ensure public safety and offer reassurance to shoppers, visitors and residents.
Over the coming days, police and council officials will be visiting those businesses which we believe may be directly affected by the demonstrations to discuss the potential impacts and what we can do together to minimise these.
If you have concerns about the day or need advice, please contact your Local Policing Team on 101 or Luton Borough Council’s economic development team on 01582 546433.
We recognise the importance of timely, accurate information to minimise rumour and speculation spreading through the internet and social media.Our aim is to keep everyone informed about arrangements as they occur, including details of road closures, changes to parking and public transport.
Information about latest developments in the coming days, and on 27 June, will be posted through our official channels – on our websites at and – and on Twitter @lutoncouncil and @bedspolice
Should I close my business on 27 June?
Our intention is to help shops and businesses run as normal. Clearly there may be some disruption in the areas closest to the demonstrations, and this is a decision for individual businesses to make.
Will Luton be safe on 27 June?
There will be a large number of police officers in the town to keep the public safe and minimise the impact on local people going about their daily business. Disruption to businesses in the area of the protests and to some transport is likely. However, we aim to ensure as little disruption as possible during the protests.
What will police be doing on the day?
Luton Borough Council and Bedfordshire Police have been working together to plan for this event to allow a peaceful protest. This will include a large number of uniformed and specialist officers being in the town to keep the public safe and offer reassurance. Policing will be firm, but fair and proportionate.
How can I protect my business?
You can protect your business by taking sensible precautions and by reviewing your current security, CCTV capability and insurance. If you would like support with this, then you can contact Bedfordshire Police crime reduction officers on 101 and Luton Borough Council’s economic development team on 01582 546433 who will also be willing to offer advice.
What happens if my business is damaged by the protesters?
Any damage caused to businesses will be treated as a crime and investigated thoroughly to identify those responsible and bring them to account.
How long will the protests last for?
It is expected that the protests will take place during the early afternoon of Saturday 27 June. However, there will be disruption before and after the event to allow assembly and dispersal. Taxi services and other forms of transport may be disrupted due to road closures and people should visit our websites for updates nearer the time: or
Why can’t the police and council stop them from protesting?
We live in a democracy and the Human Rights Act affords people the right to a peaceful protest. The police and council are working closely together to ensure the protests on Saturday 27 June remain peaceful and create the least amount of disruption possible.
What will happen if the protest isn’t peaceful?
Bedfordshire Police’s role is to allow a peaceful protest. If anyone commits a criminal offence or causes disorder or damage, they will be dealt with fairly but firmly. We will not tolerate acts of violence or damage.
How do we contact the police if we need help on the day?
For all non-emergencies, please call 101, speak to an officer in the street or visit your local police station.
In the event of emergency (for example if a crime is taking place) please call 999.
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