Organisers of a protest against plans for a house in multiple occupation next to Woodlands Primary School say the demonstration will go ahead at Heywood Memorial Gardens despite Rochdale Council asking them to relocate the event.
The protest is due to begin at 2pm on Saturday.
Heywood HMO Protesters has organised the demonstration to oppose proposals for a house in multiple occupation close to Woodlands Primary School.
Ahead of the event, Rochdale Council urged organisers to consider moving the protest to another venue, saying Heywood Memorial Gardens should remain a place of remembrance.
The council said the gardens were created to honour members of the armed forces, including those who lost their lives in service, and should be preserved for reflection and commemoration.
A council spokesperson said the authority respected the right to peaceful protest but believed “a different location would be more appropriate for a protest event”. The council also said it had discussed the matter with Heywood Veterans’ Association, which shared the view that the memorial gardens should only be used for remembrance.
The request prompted hundreds of responses on social media, with opinion divided over whether the memorial gardens were an appropriate location.
Some supported the council’s position. Rose Jessica wrote that the gardens were “a place for remembrance, moments of silence for our fallen soldiers and respect for our countries heroes” and said she did not believe protests or meetings should be held there regardless of the cause.
Another commenter, Billy Casper, said he did not agree with using the memorial gardens for a protest, while SilverShark7019 said the gardens should remain “a peaceful place” and not be used for politics or speeches.
Others backed the organisers’ decision to remain at the site.
Jamie Thomason, who identified himself as the organiser, said he had received a letter from the council delivered with a police sergeant present but intended to continue with the planned location.
He said previous protests at the memorial gardens had taken place without issues and added that participants would be respectful throughout the event.
In a social media post, he wrote, “I am holding the protest there again out of respect for those who fought and gave their lives for this country.”
He also urged supporters to behave peacefully, saying the gardens would be left as they were found.
Several other commenters argued the protest reflected values they believed veterans had fought to protect, while others questioned why the council objected to the protest but not to other activity around war memorials.
The planned demonstration relates to opposition to a proposed HMO close to Woodlands Primary School.
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