Council leaders condemn violence committed by far right
Gateshead Council leaders are united in their condemnation of the violent disorder across the country.
Council Leader, Councillor Martin Gannon, the Leader of the Opposition and Cabinet members have today spoken of how saddened they are at the events occurring across the nation, including in neighbouring boroughs and towns.
Today they offered reassurance to Gateshead residents, communities and staff that they are working round-the-clock with emergency services to ensure their safety is paramount.
While there are currently no planned protests within the borough, sensitivities are on heightened alert.
As a result, the Out North East planned town centre event to celebrate Pride has now been postponed until later in the month. This followed safety concerns voiced by businesses and residents about the event, which had been due to take place on Saturday.
Councillor Gannon said the council is working closely with Northumbria Police and partners around the borough to ensure mitigation is in place should any disorder take place locally.
He said: "The violence and criminal behaviour exhibited over the last week across the country, including on our doorstep in Sunderland, Teesside and County Durham, is just appalling.
"Frankly I am shocked at how quickly this right-wing, vicious and criminal mentality can take hold. There is no justification whatsoever for this behaviour. These people want to ruin our society and our communities, that is their only objective. We stand shoulder to shoulder with our communities in condemnation of these atrocities, and our thoughts go out to all those caught up in the violence elsewhere.
"We know there is a planned protest in Newcastle on Saturday, and due to the proximity to our town centre, we and the organisers of the event have taken the sad decision to postpone the Pride festivities that were planned. This was not a decision made lightly.
"We will continue to work with police and our partners across the region to ensure everyone can enjoy our town centre safely this weekend.
"We are here for all our residents and the council can be contacted to provide any support needed. If anyone has any safety concerns, I urge you to please contact the police."
Councillor Ron Beadle, Opposition and Lib Dem Leader, said: "I echo the sentiments from Councillor Gannon here. The situations we are witnessing daily across the country are just awful.
"There is no place in society for these types of actions and we too condemn the violence by those few who wish to just spread fear and intimidation. It is an incredible pity that the decision to postpone the Pride festivities has had to be made, but there can be no risk when it comes to public safety."
Councillor Angela Douglas, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, added: "It is so sad that such a wonderful event that should have brought people together in fun and laughter has had to be postponed because of the actions of mindless thugs elsewhere. This is very regrettable, but the safety of our residents always comes first."
Peter Darrant from Out North East said: "Pride in Gateshead works very closely with both the police and Gateshead Council, and we have jointly made the decision to postpone this Saturday's Pride Fringe Celebration in Gateshead town centre.
"Pride is all about the community coming together and we will now actively be looking for another date to hold this event, as our priority has to be safety and everyone coming together without fear. We will be sharing the new date for the postponed event as soon as possible."
To report a crime or share information, residents should send Northumbria Police a direct message on social media or use the live chat function and online report forms on the force's website.
Alternatively, if people are unable to make contact in this way, they can call 101. In an emergency, or where a crime is taking place, people should always dial 999.
Gateshead Council leaders are united in their condemnation of the violent disorder across the country.
Council Leader, Councillor Martin Gannon, the Leader of the Opposition and Cabinet members have today spoken of how saddened they are at the events occurring across the nation, including in neighbouring boroughs and towns.
Today they offered reassurance to Gateshead residents, communities and staff that they are working round-the-clock with emergency services to ensure their safety is paramount.
While there are currently no planned protests within the borough, sensitivities are on heightened alert.
As a result, the Out North East planned town centre event to celebrate Pride has now been postponed until later in the month. This followed safety concerns voiced by businesses and residents about the event, which had been due to take place on Saturday.
Councillor Gannon said the council is working closely with Northumbria Police and partners around the borough to ensure mitigation is in place should any disorder take place locally.
He said: "The violence and criminal behaviour exhibited over the last week across the country, including on our doorstep in Sunderland, Teesside and County Durham, is just appalling.
"Frankly I am shocked at how quickly this right-wing, vicious and criminal mentality can take hold. There is no justification whatsoever for this behaviour. These people want to ruin our society and our communities, that is their only objective. We stand shoulder to shoulder with our communities in condemnation of these atrocities, and our thoughts go out to all those caught up in the violence elsewhere.
"We know there is a planned protest in Newcastle on Saturday, and due to the proximity to our town centre, we and the organisers of the event have taken the sad decision to postpone the Pride festivities that were planned. This was not a decision made lightly.
"We will continue to work with police and our partners across the region to ensure everyone can enjoy our town centre safely this weekend.
"We are here for all our residents and the council can be contacted to provide any support needed. If anyone has any safety concerns, I urge you to please contact the police."
Councillor Ron Beadle, Opposition and Lib Dem Leader, said: "I echo the sentiments from Councillor Gannon here. The situations we are witnessing daily across the country are just awful.
"There is no place in society for these types of actions and we too condemn the violence by those few who wish to just spread fear and intimidation. It is an incredible pity that the decision to postpone the Pride festivities has had to be made, but there can be no risk when it comes to public safety."
Councillor Angela Douglas, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, added: "It is so sad that such a wonderful event that should have brought people together in fun and laughter has had to be postponed because of the actions of mindless thugs elsewhere. This is very regrettable, but the safety of our residents always comes first."
Peter Darrant from Out North East said: "Pride in Gateshead works very closely with both the police and Gateshead Council, and we have jointly made the decision to postpone this Saturday's Pride Fringe Celebration in Gateshead town centre.
"Pride is all about the community coming together and we will now actively be looking for another date to hold this event, as our priority has to be safety and everyone coming together without fear. We will be sharing the new date for the postponed event as soon as possible."
To report a crime or share information, residents should send Northumbria Police a direct message on social media or use the live chat function and online report forms on the force's website.
Alternatively, if people are unable to make contact in this way, they can call 101. In an emergency, or where a crime is taking place, people should always dial 999.
