An enhanced policing presence will be in operation in Dalton-in-Furness today (16 August) ahead of planned protests in the area.
Protests are set to take place on Ulverston Road, at the construction site for the South Lakes Islamic Centre.
Police have worked with the organisers to ensure that these protests are peaceful and cause minimal disruption to the local community.
To keep the risk of crime or disorder to a minimum, a dispersal order will be in effect between 10am and 6pm today.
The order provides officers an enhanced ability to direct individuals who are causing or likely to cause harassment, alarm, or distress to leave the area and not return for a defined period.
Neighbourhood policing officers will also be in the area to provide reassurance and support to the local community.
Superintendent Paddy O’Hara said: “The dispersal order which has been authorised is in place to protect our communities.
“The rights for protest must be balanced with the rights of others, keeping the public safe, preventing crime and disorder, and seeking to minimise disruption.
“Public safety is our number one priority, and our officers are here to provide help, advice and reassurance.
“We ask that individuals involved in today’s protests act responsibly and refrain from engaging in crime and disorder.”
The area covered by the order, under Section 34 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, is detailed in the accompanying image.