A ‘Go Slow’ protest in Blackburn to highlight the bombing of Gaza brought one of the towns busiest roads to a standstill.
The protest began in confusion where up to 40 vehicles gathered at the Tesco Hill Street super store at around 4pm today. But as vehicles moved off much of the convoy was split.
The ‘convoy’ later found itself on Barbara Castle Way where cars had caused traffic to back up along the dual carriageway.
The protest appears to have been planned to coincide with rush hour to cause maximum disruption.
The local council and Police had been alerted to the planned protest with messages shared this week. Some protesters had parked their cars on Wainwright Way and stopped the traffic completely.
Organisers said: "It was a great turn out to support the Palestinian cause. If we continue to stand in solidarity in protesting against the atrocities - one day they may be free.
Blackburn with Darwen Council Roads had posted just after 4pm today: “Please be aware of potential traffic disruption in Blackburn later today (Thursday, May 20)
“The Council has been alerted to a ‘go slow’ protest in support of Palestine taking place around Burnley Rd and Accrington Rd in the area of Tesco Superstore, Blackburn.
“We understand that the go slow protest will be in bound from that vicinity into the Town Centre. The protest is scheduled for today 20th May 2021 for 4.30pm to 5.30pm. Therefore if you normally travel through this area between 4.30pm and 5.30pm please be aware.
“We would advise you to allow for more time or choose an alternative route to help avoid being caught up in any potential congestion.”
The protest was one of several demonstrations being held locally as Israel unleashed a fresh wave of air strikes across the Gaza Strip, killing at least one Palestinian and wounding several others. Overnight explosions shook Gaza City and orange flares lit up the night sky, with air strikes also reported in the central town of Deir al-Balah and the southern town of Khan Younis.
At least 227 Palestinians have been killed, including 64 children and 38 women, with 1,620 people wounded, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Twelve people in Israel, including a five-year-old boy, a 16-year-old girl and a soldier, have been killed.
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