News / Barton Hill
Police apologise for impact of Barton Hill operation
One of Avon & Somerset Constabulary’s most senior police officers has apologised to residents of Barton Hill for the impact of a recent operation.
Dozens of officers joined council contractors in the early hours of March 13 as the East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood scheme was installed under cover of darkness.
The apology took place at a public meeting in Whitehall attended by officers and police staff who responded to questions from local residents.
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Avon & Somerset Police deputy chief constable Jon Reilly told Bristol24/7: “The policing operation relating to the installation of a traffic management system in Barton Hill earlier this year had the objectives of ensuring peaceful protest could be facilitated as well as to assist Bristol City Council, who were the lead agency for the scheme.
“At a separate community meeting held at Rose Green Community Centre on Thursday night (May 15), we heard from residents who remain unhappy with the policing operation, and I apologised for the impact it’s had on them.
“It’s important to recognise the strength of community feeling and to acknowledge when our response has caused further concern or upset.
“Our neighbourhood officers continue to work hard to engage and support the local community and to ensure all voices can be heard.”
A few Barton Hill residents lay down in the road to prevent a bus gate from being installed – photo: Fadumo Farah
The leader of Bristol City Council recently said he regrets how the implementation of the East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood has been handled.
Speaking on Politics West, Tony Dyer said he thinks “there are definitely lessons to be learned”.
He added: “Do I personally regret? Yes, I do. You never like to be in the situation where you are coming into conflict with people.
“You often have valid concerns. However, I don’t think that we are ever going to please everybody with everything we do.”
Main photo & video: Fadumo Farah
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