VOTE: Bolton is stronger than ever after rallies, claim council chiefs and police
8:08am Monday 22nd March 2010 in News
POLICE and civic leaders say the people of Bolton were the real “winners” following Saturday’s event, with most turning their backs on the demonstrations.
Chief Executive of Bolton Council, Sean Harriss, said that the Bolton “family” was stronger than ever as a result.
Mr Harriss was in the town hall as the EDL demonstration and UAF counter-demonstration took place.
Standing with Greater Manchester Police’s Assistant Chief Constable, Garry Shewan, at the end of the protest, he said: “I think the people of Bolton can take something positive from this. Community cohesion is stronger.
“I am proud of the people of Bolton who, for the last few weeks, have come together and worked effectively.
“We have to now think carefully of the legacy of this issue and take something positive out of something negative and work together.
“We and the police have worked with the community rather than telling them what to do. This will form part of our planning in the future.”
Mr Shewan condemned the nature of the protest as being violent, and pointed to the 74 arrests made during the day.
But he added: “From the moment that the EDL announced their intention to hold a protest in Bolton, it was made clear to us that the communities of Bolton did not want to this to take place. In this, the people of Bolton are the winners.
“I am very proud of the officers and the work of the local authority. The community of Bolton came together and people gave up their time to mediate with protesters.”
