Extra Security As Ealing To Decide On Controversial Abortion Clinic 'Buffer Zone'

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Council to vote on PSPO which could be introduced immediately

There will be extra security around Ealing Town Hall tomorrow night ( Tuesday 10th) as those for and against a so called ' buffer zone ' around an Ealing abortion clinic will come head to head.

In what's expected to be a landmark decision, councillors will vote on whether to introduce what's been referred to as a 'safe zone' ( Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) around the Marie Stopes centre on Mattock Lane.

It follows recommendations in a report by the council’s community safety team put forward to address certain behaviours by members of Pro-Life and Pro-Choice groups.

The behaviours outside the clinic were originally highlighted through a petition organised by local group 'Sister Supporter' which 3,593 signed and which was submitted to the council in July 2017.   

Representatives from the group are expected to be out in force to hear the decision, as will those opposing.

A campaign called ' Be Here For Me' which describes itself as
'mothers against the ban on help outside abortion centres' wants those who don't agree to what they describe as a ' censorship zone' to attend a rally outside the Town Hall, prior to the vote.

Ealing Council say they anticipate larger than normal numbers to attend the cabinet meeting, there are 80 public spaces in the Liz Cantell room, but they have arranged for any overspill to be accommodated in the Victoria Hall and there will be a live video stream.

Additional security will be on hand.

If members agree that a PSPO is necessary, the safe zone can be introduced immediately. If a PSPO is introduced, anyone who breaches the order would be committing a criminal offence and can be fined or prosecuted under the law.

9th April 2018