Police prepare for "potential protest" in the town

POTENTIAL protests in Rotherham this weekend have prompted “serious concerns” among the town’s new commissioners.

Police confirmed this afternoon that information gleaned from social media had prompted them to prepare for a potential protest by the South East Alliance (SEA) tomorrow (7).

A police spokeswoman said that the force had received no formal confirmation that a gathering would take place, but added: “A police operation will be in place to ensure any potential protest passes without incident.”

Responding to possible protest activity in Rotherham this weekend, in a joint statement, Rotherham Borough Council's commissioners said: "We are seriously concerned to learn of a possible demonstration in Rotherham this Saturday. Such activity is not welcome in our town.

"We are most concerned that demonstrators from outside the area will cause much disruption to local people and businesses, and will create anxiety for all our residents.

"Whilst we fully support free speech and the upholding of democratic rights, we do not support violent protest."

Lead Commissioner Sir Derek Myers added: "In Rotherham, we are trying to build a new start for the whole community, to tackle the wrongs that have been experienced by so many children, and to build a safe and harmonious community.

"We have come to Rotherham to work to these ends and we will not tolerate ongoing violent incidents which impact on our communities."

Cllr Chris Read, Leader of Rotherham Borough Council, said: "In recent months our town has been blighted by a number protests. While I respect everyone's right to peaceful free speech, the nature of these demonstrations have intimidated local people and damaged our local economy.

"The council's failings are well documented. But now Rotherham needs a fresh start - one in which supporting victims and survivors to rebuild their lives, and bringing the abusers to justice, is at the heart of what we do.

"People intent on bringing disruption and anger to our streets do not help achieve either of these things. Let us be united against child abuse, not divided by it, and let us begin to rebuild our town."