ESSEX Police has facilitated another peaceful protest in Epping.

A group of people protesting against The Bell Hotel formed at around 6pm on Thursday 31 July.

A spokesperson said: “Our officers then facilitated a march in High Street, Epping, by the same group.

To continue to ensure the safety of those who wanted to protest peacefully and lawfully and prevent serious disruption to the life of the community, those taking part in the march were directed to walk on the pavement during the march. This kept everyone safe and allowed local traffic to flow.

The march finished outside of the Civic Building further along High Street.

“The directions issued on the evening formed part of a spontaneous authority under Section 12 of the Public Order Act 1986, issued by the senior officer on scene to prevent serious disruption. The protest group complied with the conditions without any issues”.  

Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow said: “The calm and peaceful nature of tonight’s protest meant that we have not arrested anyone during the march, and I want to thank those who attended and made that possible. 

“As a force, we will continue to facilitate the right to protest when it is both peaceful and lawful.”

To continue to ensure the safety of our community, those who wanted to protest peacefully and lawfully and those in the hotel, we put in place some specific measures ahead of the event. 

This included a Section 60AA order banning face coverings and a dispersal order which gives us the power to direct anyone committing or suspected of committing anti-social behaviour to leave the area.