Orange Order March

The news that thousands of people are to streets of Gillingham this weekend has come as a shock to many in the corridors of Gun Wharf and to local residents.

The event, which has seemingly been in the planning stages for some time has only recently come to the attention of many elected Councillors and indeed, those in the local community who now presumably have no time to oppose the march, should they wish.

This blog will not oppose the Orange order march because it believes and upholds the principles behind freedom of speech and march where it is safe to do so. However, it can see a situation where Catholics in the wards could have some mixed feelings about it. There are no laws against marches but there are some questions that do need to be answered by the powers that be:

1 - What consultation process, in particular with residents and local business, took place before giving permission to this march?

2 - What considerations have been given to the access to Medway Hospital which will be affected by this march?

3 - Who will be paying the cost for policing the march?

4 - Will there be adequate police cover as there is also a Gillingham FC home game which will also put a strain on the policing service?

5 - Has the wider security implications of this march been taken into consideration when granting permission?

These questions remain outstanding and should have been aired with Councillors in advance.

Local elected Councillors should not be rushed into accepting contentious issues.