Police operation in Taunton ahead of planned weekend protest

Avon and Somerset Police has confirmed officers will be on the ground on Saturday, November 14, with the planned protest and march due to begin at around midday.

A counter-protest is also expected to take place at the same time. The protest and counter-protest had originally been planned for the following week, but moved earlier to avoid clashing with Winterfest, the town's Christmas festivities day.

In a statement, Avon and Somerset Police said: "Officers will be on the ground to enable peaceful protest to take place and to ensure the safety of those in attendance and the wider public.

"Officers will not tolerate any criminality and will be following well-rehearsed plans."

As part of the operation, police will also introduce a dispersal zone between 9am and 6pm.

The zone is being imposed under sections 34 and 35 of the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

The police have outlined where the dispersal area will apply tomorrow (Image: Avon and Somerset Police)

Such powers allow officers to direct people to leave an area where their behaviour has caused, or is considered likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress.

Police said dispersal zones are regularly used by forces across the country for a range of circumstances, including preventing disorder during protests.

Neighbourhood Chief Inspector Rebecca Wells-Cole said: “We know protests have the potential to cause concern, but we have significant experience in enabling events of this nature to take place peacefully and safely.

“Officers will be following plans which are drawn up to ensure the safety of everyone, while minimising disruption to the wider community, but action will be taken wherever criminality is identified.

“Neighbourhood officers will be in the town centre throughout the day and will be happy to speak to anyone who has any concerns.”