Police in Cheltenham have confirmed that protests held in the town centre on Saturday, December 13, passed peacefully without any incidents. The demonstrations saw two groups with opposing views on asylum seeker housing come together between midday and 3pm.
Gloucestershire Police reported that about 12 protesters opposed to housing asylum seekers in hotels, alongside approximately 70 counter-protesters supporting immigrant welcome initiatives, assembled near Cambray Place. In preparation, the police increased their presence to ensure the event remained safe and lawful, deploying additional officers visibly throughout the area.
A spokesperson from Gloucestershire Police stated, “The protest remained peaceful, no arrests were made, and officers were present to facilitate the demonstration while minimizing disruption.” Road closures implemented for the event have now been lifted, and the force expressed gratitude to local residents and businesses for their cooperation.
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Deputy Chief Constable Katy Barrow-Grint thanked the community and the protest participants for their cooperation. She emphasized the force’s commitment to balancing the rights of peaceful protesters with the community’s ability to carry on with daily activities without interruption. She also acknowledged the collaboration with both protest groups, local partners, and police staff involved in the operation.
Social media accounts varied on attendance figures; one participant from Stroud Against Racism estimated around 200 counter-protesters, highlighting the strong community message welcoming asylum seekers residing safely in Cheltenham, recognized as a Town of Sanctuary.
Stroud District Council leader Cllr Chloe Turner (Green) also shared reflections on the event, noting the large turnout of local groups opposing anti-refugee sentiment. She stressed that refugees are not the problem, but rather inequality, calling for fairer and more compassionate immigration policies.