Force prepares for busy weekend with protests set to take place in Bournemouth
Warm weather will see increased visitors to Dorset this weekend and the Force is working hard to ensure everyone can have a good, safe summer – with protests set to taken place in the town.
Officers from across the county are working additional shifts to tackle anti-social behaviour, public place violence and ensure those reporting incidents receive a timely response.
Protests are also set to take place in Bournemouth, which is likely to see a large number of visitors to the area on Saturday.
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Callaghan, of Dorset Police, said: “It is important we can ensure everyone living or visiting the town has a safe and enjoyable time, with events resulting in minimal disruption to local communities.
“We have taken the decision to impose a condition on the organisers, which requires participants to demonstrate in specific locations and to have dispersed by 5pm on Saturday 9 August 2025 under Section 14 of the Public Order Act. Those demonstrating alongside Bournemouth Patriots and Taking Back our Country are required to protest in the blue zone while those alongside Stand Up to Racism, Palestine Solidarity Movement (PSM) and the Antifa group are required to protest in the red zone.
“A road closure will be in place along a small section of Meyrick Road, but this isn’t expected to cause access issues to residential or commercial premises.
“It is vital for us to ensure those attending this event as well as those living and visiting the town at the busiest time of the year can all have a safe and enjoyable weekend and that any disruption is kept to a minimum.
“Appropriate resources are in place and we are working together with BCP Council as well as other emergency service colleagues.
“We have a duty to ensure those involved act within the law, prevent any public disorder and ensure the local community can go about their lawful activities and emergency vehicles have appropriate access. Our priority is always to keep people safe and in every decision around policing public order and protests we must balance the right to freedom of expression with the right to tackle crime so we can ensure public safety.”
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