Aylesbury ready for a quick return to normal

Archived press release

Date Published: 01/05/10

Shops and businesses will open as usual from 2 May and a range of entertainment has been organised for Monday by the Town Centre Partnership to help welcome people back to the town.

The English Defence League (EDL) has now left Aylesbury after their protest which passed off peacefully, save for the closing stages when there were a few minutes of disorder led by small number of people.

Groups of EDL in the crowd surged to the rear of Market Square against the wishes of their stewards. They surged against the stewards and police lines, before police officers contained them for a short while and then allowed the groups to move out of the square to the coaches and train station.

Protesters have now left the town and the policing operation has entered a reassurance phase.

Richard List, Local Area Commander commented: “On the whole we experienced few problems but are disappointed that there was some public disorder towards the end. However, we were able to deploy resources to quickly deal with the situation and prevent it from escalating.

“Thames Valley Police wants to make clear it was the EDL whose actions were disorderly, and we were required to establish control of this group before allowing them to leave Market Square to disperse. We are unaware of any police officers or EDL supporters who have been injured as a result of this.

“Most protestors have now left town and we will be working with the local community and our partners to ensure that Aylesbury returns to normal as quickly as possible. Today has been a difficult day for the town but I would like to thank the local community and our partners who have worked with us to make sure that the protest has passed of with out major incident. Fortunately, community relations in the town are good and we will be continuing our partnership work to make sure that they stay that way.”

Twelve people were arrested today. Eight on suspicion of possessing offensive weapons (two groups of two and one group of four, who were stopped in cars on their way into Aylesbury), three for public order offences and one for being drunk and disorderly.

Two protesters, a 20-year-old man and a 45-year-old man, received medical attention from South Central Ambulance Service after they reported feeling unwell. Today’s policing operation was supported by all three local councils.

Andrew Grant, Chief Executive of Aylesbury Vale District Council said, “Today has required an intensive effort by the police and partners but all the planning and preparation has been worth it to protect the safety of the public. Our priority is to now support the town in getting back to normal as quickly as possible. I’m sure that’s what we all want. Shops and businesses will open as usual from tomorrow and a range of entertainment has been organised for Monday by the Town Centre Partnership to help welcome people back to the town”.

Sue Imbriano, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Buckinghamshire County Council added, 'Today has been a good example of partnership planning and working in order to achieve our joint objective, which was about making this event as peaceable as possible for the residents of Aylesbury.'

Aylesbury Town Council also commented, “The excellent management of the event by the police ensured that there was only very little trouble.”

Apart from New Street, all road access restrictions have been lifted.

Thames Valley Police has produced two videos about today’s protest, which have been posted on Youtube.