THE signatories to this letter agree that the right to peaceful protest is a cornerstone of democracy.

The residents of Epping have experienced unprecedented levels of anxiety and disruption. People are hurt and dismayed. Since July, the lives of Epping residents have also been upended by a series of spontaneous and planned protests associated with the Bell Hotel.

Local civic leaders support the right to protest. However, there have been several well-documented instances of lawlessness associated with the demonstrations, considerably adding to the anxiety and concern of our residents. Local high street businesses are not immune to the impact of the demonstrations. Shop and office workers are also affected.

The scenes of violence have been played out on social media and national news. The Police continue to make arrests and bring people to court.

We appeal to the organisers of the twice-weekly demonstrations to consider the wider feelings of the people of Epping they seek to represent. As we come to the end of the summer, our community needs some respite from the on-going disruption.

We therefore say to you directly. Your demonstrations have placed Epping in the news headlines for weeks. Your voices have been heard. Now give our community breathing space. Allow Epping High Street to return to normal so that our businesses can trade, our children can go to school and our residents can go about their daily lives again.

Thank you.

Councillor Chris Whitbread – Leader of Epping Forest District Council and the Conservative Group

Councillor Chris Pond – Leader of the Loughton Residents Association Group

Councillor Jon Whitehouse – Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group

Councillor Kevin Bentley – Leader of Essex County Council

Dr Neil Hudson – Member of Parliament for the Constituency of Epping Forest

Roger Hirst – Police Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex

Councillor Janet Whitehouse – Mayor of Epping