Rival groups gather to protest against Portland barge

The two groups, No To The Barge and Stand Up to Racism Dorset have both accused each other of causing division within the community and both groups will not stand side-by-side in protest.

Both groups oppose the housing of asylum seekers on the barge.

No To The Barge hosted a rally and a march to voice their anger at Portland Port, CTM, Dorset Council for housing asylum seekers on the barge without any consultation with local people.

Around 20 people joined the No To The Barge march on a windy day on Portland (Image: Tom Lawrence)

A large police presence was in place in case there was any standoff between the two groups, both demonstrations remained peaceful and did not interact with one another.

Kate Robson said: "If you put 500 people into a city with a vast infrastructure they can integrate and disperse if you put 500 people into an area that is very poorly serviced.

Banners and placards were held up by protestors (Image: Tom Lawrence)

"It can take up to a month to see a GP appointment and they have a service onboard open nine to five, where is the justice in that?

"Elderly people on Portland may have to wait a month with potentially chronic conditions that they don't get seen for.

"There was no consultation because it never would have been approved."

Dr Susan Phoenix said: "We hosted a march today because we feel it is unfair to be given these labels as 'racist', local people are frustrated and we are seeing more and more division.

"The division is being caused by inflammatory speech, hate mail."

Meanwhile, at the gates to Portland Port, Stand Up To Racism held a counter-protest as a "show of welcome" to asylum seekers at Portland Port.

The group hosted a welcome event with teas, coffees and cakes (Image: Tom Lawrence)

The group handed out tea, coffee and biscuits to those attending.

Lynne Hubbard, joint secretary of Stand Up to Racism Dorset said, “We have always opposed the barge because it is inhumane and also because of the lack of resources in the area, but we have always argued it is not the refugees who are to blame.

“We are proud that attempts by some to stir up division and hatred have mostly failed, undermined by the great network of local people who have made a stand against racism, and have organised a practical welcome for our new residents on the Barge. 

Louis de Pelet lives in Wincanton but owns a beach hut in Portland.

Louis de Pelet said he was concerned about the words used by politicians about asylum seekers (Image: Tom Lawrence)

He said: "I am very concerned about dog-whistle politics.

"The leadership that our politicians are showing at the moment seems to be very divisive.

"Highlighting how difficult it is to come to the UK by the Rwanda deal or by housing people on a barge is not the answer."