Proposed events - Rotherham Town Centre - Saturday October 27

We acknowledge and appreciate the uncertainty and concern which this is causing amongst town centre residents and businesses and elsewhere in the community, and we will provide as much information as possible as it becomes available. However, unlike the circumstances of two weeks ago, there are few confirmed details about exactly what is expected to take place.

At this stage, South Yorkshire Police can confirm that representatives of the National Front are looking to protest in the pedestrian area between the former Library and Civic Buildings on Drummond Street . No times have yet been confirmed.  Also, United Against Fascism have applied to the local authority to hold an event in All Saints' Square between 10am and 2pm. There is also the possibility that other groups who have not formally approached the Police or the Local Authority may also protest in the town.

SYP and RMBC are again working in partnership to prepare for any possible events and contingencies, and as always, our priority will be to help minimise any potential disruption to routine Saturday afternoon town centre activities, while respecting people's right to a peaceful protest. There will again be a significant additional police presence in and around the town centre to provide reassurance and to take appropriate action to deal with any incidents of disorder or criminal activity.

 However, you should be aware that due to the lack of confirmed information about possible events, the police presence in the town centre is likely to appear significantly different to how it did on October 13, as there will be a need for a dynamic response to incidents as, when and where they arise. Nevertheless the police presence will be sufficient to address any incident swiftly and effectively.

If anyone has any information regarding:  

·        The protest itself

·        Community issues

·        Anything that would impact on the policing operation on Saturday then please contact South Yorkshire Police using the non-emergency 101 number.

Updates will be provided should more information become available about the events. You can also see the information online at http://www.southyorks.police.uk/ and http://www.rotherham.gov.uk/ or via the SY Police Facebook Page and on Twitter @syptweet and @RMBCPress.  Updates will also be provided via local media, including our local radio stations. Alternatively you can contact 101 or Rotherham MBC on 01709 382121.