08 July 2005
The on-off protest march around the Gleneagles G8 summit on July 6 was approved in advance by the local council, it emerged this week.
Perth & Kinross Council gave the go-ahead to the march, organised by the G8 Alternatives group. It was initially banned on the day by police, but later allowed to go ahead.
Tayside Police assistant chief constable Willie Bald said that because of the actions of people determined to cause serious disruption, he had emphasised that public safety was the priority in the decision making.
Council leader Jimmy Doig said the authority fully supported the police decision finally to allow the march. They had 'worked extremely hard to ensure the safety of local residents, council staff, police officers and protesters'.
He added: 'Perth & Kinross Council and Tayside Police have had continuous discussions with G8 Alternatives for over six months now, with the aim of facilitating a peaceful and well-managed protest. Unfortunately that peaceful protest has been overshadowed and disrupted by a minority intent on causing as much disruption as possible.'
When the application first came before the Perth and Kinross licensing committee on June 9, it was rejected, but a compromise plan, subject to certain conditions, was approved on July 6.
PFjul2005
