POLICE have urged people to 'find alternative ways' of expressing their views today as protests are due to take place in various Somerset towns.

They are aware of protests in Taunton, Glastonbury and Bridgwater, as well as Bristol and Bath.

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People are now allowed to protest peacefully following a change in Covid-19 regulations. But organisers must take required precautions to ensure people's safety is not put at risk.

Superintendent Mark Runacres, area commander for Bristol, said: “We fully respect the fundamental democratic right of being able to protest and we have a long and proud history spanning many years of facilitating peaceful demonstrations.

“We’re aware of various events due to take place later today in Bristol, Bath, Taunton, Glastonbury and Bridgwater – and policing plans are in place."

In Bristol, there will be specialist police liaison officers along with neighbourhood officers who will be looking to engage with protestors and work with them to ensure the protest takes place peacefully.

“While we’re expecting significant numbers to attend, we’d still urge people to consider finding alternative ways to express their views given that we’re still in the midst of the pandemic," he added.

“Restrictions may have eased but large numbers of people congregating together at any one time continues to present a risk of spreading Covid-19.”