MEMBERS of the public are being warned to expect disruption in Huntingdon on Saturday (November 10) as protesters march in the town.Representatives from SHAC (Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty) and other animal rights activists will conduct a protest agains

MEMBERS of the public are being warned to expect disruption in Huntingdon on Saturday (November 10) as protesters march in the town.

Representatives from SHAC (Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty) and other animal rights activists will conduct a protest against HLS (Huntingdon Life Science).

It is the first time in four years that the county has seen such a protest and several hundred people are expected to participate.

Police have been working with representatives from SHAC, the town centre business community and HLS to ensure plans are in place to minimise the impact of the protest on the public and protect the safety of those involved.

The protest will begin at 11am at the Riverside Park, followed by a march around the ring road, via the town centre.

Protesters will then return to Riverside Park before travelling in convoy to the HLS site in Woolley, with the event finishing at 5pm.

Police will maintain a visible presence throughout both stages of the event to ensure minimal disruption to traffic and those going about their daily business and to protect the safety of those involved in the protest.

Chief Inspector Darren Alderson, who is organising the police operation, said: "Cambridgeshire Constabulary fully supports people's right to protest, however, we will have a visible presence during the protest as a safety precaution and to ensure we minimise disruption for the public.

"As with supporting the right to protest we also fully support the right for lawful employment and will ensure that employees of HLS and any other associated elements can continue to exercise this right without any unlawful impediment. We have also ensured we consider the impact of this demonstration on the wider community and have taken action to minimise disruption.

"Those planning on visiting Huntingdon should expect some disruption during the morning as protesters march through the town centre and around the ring road.

"Every effort is being made to minimise this disruption.

"Residents in Great Stukeley and Alconbury will also notice an increase in traffic as protesters travel to the HLS site and plans are in place to minimise the affect of this on those who live in and are vesting the area."

Section 12 and 14 of the Public Order Act 1986 have been placed on the event to ensure protesters stick to the specified route and timescales of the protest.