A ‘STAND up to racism’ protest was described as ‘peaceful’ by police with members of the community uniting to show violence will not be tolerated in Taunton.

Around 60 people attended the demonstration at the Market House from 11am until 2pm but the second, expected protest did not go ahead as initially feared.

A second protest and march which had been expected from about 1pm did not happen. Police were prepared for any potential disorder and put in place a Section 34 Dispersal Order giving them additional powers to move on anyone whose behaviour was likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

At about 1.10pm a man was arrested in Bridge Street on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly and remains in police custody. Members of the public had stopped patrolling officers to report their concerns about his behaviour.

Avon and Somerset Police Commander Superintendent Lisa Simpson said: “When a protest and march was proposed, we heard concerns from across our communities about the possibility of trouble, given what has happened elsewhere. We kept in touch with partner agencies, community and faith leaders and local businesses to share information, and put robust plans in place to deter and deal with any disorder.

“I am grateful for the support of our communities, their patience whilst we worked together to ensure an appropriate response, and to our partners in the local authority and other agencies who have worked with us to show that violence or hate will not be tolerated in Taunton.

“Thankfully we have seen no such issues in the town.”

Dave Chapple, Secretary, Somerset Association of Trades Union Councils, which organised the anti-far right demonstration, featured speakers including Taunton Black Lives Matter, Adekunle Akinola, Mendip TUC, and Bristol Stand up to Racism, among others.

Mr Chapple also delivered a speech on the day, which said: “We are rallying here today, occupying this beautiful space in Somerset’s County Town, to prevent it being despoiled by racists and fascists. We are taking a stand against hate, particularly, at this dark time for this country, hatred for British Muslims, hatred for those who seek asylum here from poverty, prejudice and war.

“Martin Luther King said, ‘I look forward to the day when the colour of someone’s skin is of no more significance than the colour of their eyes’.

“Only 4 per cent of immigrants arrive here in small boats, the other 96 per cent are here legally and, without them, our NHS and care services, to name but two, would collapse.

“I have lived in Somerset all my life: grew up drinking cider and playing cricket, yet, as soon as I saw them playing on TV, it was the West Indies cricket teams of the 1960s and 1970s I instinctively supported, not England, because of the delightful way they played that game.  Was that wrong, did it make me less English? “

Mr Chapple said the far-right march did not take place with only three people turning up at Hamilton Park.