A 'March for Palestine' is taking place in Blackburn town centre this weekend, with disruption on the roads expected.

The march, which has been organised by a local resident, will take place from 2pm on Saturday October 28, and will begin and end outside Blackburn Town Hall.

This is the second event of its kind to take place in the town following the peace rally which was held on Sunday October 15, in which hundreds of people turned out, waving flags and displaying placards in protest, calling for an end to the Israel-Hamas conflict that has killed thousands.

There are growing calls for Israel to stop its bombardment of the Gaza strip, which has been in response to terror attacks by Hamas militants which killed hundreds of civilians in Israel. 

Israel has said the missile strikes are targeted at Hamas locations, but thousands of civilians have been killed in the blasts.

As a result of the march, there will be disruptions to traffic in and around Blackburn town centre with the council advising people to plan their routes accordingly.

Lancashire Telegraph: A map of the route A map of the route (Image: BwD Council)

A spokesperson from Blackburn with Darwen Council's roads department said: "We wanted to alert you to possible disruption on roads in and around Blackburn town centre from 2pm this Saturday, due to a planned peace march which is expected to attract hundreds of people.

"We've provided a map of the planned route for info.

"The route of the march will take protesters from outside Blackburn Town Hall, up past Sudell Cross, along Barbara Castle Way, along Larkhill and Whalley New Road, onto Whalley Range, and back to the town centre.

"Anyone who will be in these areas from 2pm on Saturday should consider their route, or allow more time for their journeys.

"Anyone travelling to Ewood Park for the Swansea match at 3pm is also advised to plan routes that avoid these roads, and set off early.

"This peace march has been planned by a local resident. The council and police are supporting with traffic management to minimise the disruption and to keep everyone safe – both people on the march and other road users."

Inspector Kathryn McIntyre, of the Blackburn with Darwen neighbourhood policing team, said: “We are aware of the march and have been in contact with the organiser.

“The neighbourhood policing team will be in the area providing a visible reassurance.”

A poster for the march, shared on social media, says it will be the 'largest march' in Lancashire's history, and emphasised the march is a peaceful protest, urging respect to members of the public.

Protestors are encouraged to bring their own flags and signs.