Hundreds of demonstrators marched through Chelmsford city centre on Saturday to protest against the daily shuttle buses transporting residents from the RAF Wethersfield asylum accommodation site into the city.
The event, organised by the Stop the Wethersfield Buses group, began near the skate park in Central Park at around 11am. Protesters then marched towards Shire Hall, where they gathered on the steps for speeches.
The demonstration focused on opposition to the regular bus services that bring asylum seekers and migrants from the former RAF base at Wethersfield into Chelmsford town centre. Campaigners have argued that the buses place additional pressure on local services, transport hubs, and community safety, particularly for women and residents.
Essex Police had prepared in advance for the event, confirming they had an “appropriate policing plan” in place and had been in ongoing contact with organisers and partners.
A post-event update from Essex Police confirmed that the protest proceeded as planned with no arrests reported and no significant incidents of disorder.
An Essex Police spokesperson said ahead of the march: “We’re aware of a planned event in Chelmsford on 28 March. We have been in consistent contact with organisers and all partners, and we have an appropriate policing plan in place.”
Local media footage and reports described the demonstration as largely peaceful, with attendees carrying banners and voicing their concerns during the speeches at Shire Hall.
The protest forms part of a series of actions by the group, which has previously demonstrated at Wethersfield itself and called for the suspension of the shuttle bus operations. A related online petition has highlighted the perceived strain on nearby towns including Chelmsford, Braintree, and Colchester.
This event comes amid broader national debates over asylum accommodation, though it remained distinct from a separate ongoing court case at Chelmsford Crown Court involving allegations of violent disorder at an anti-asylum protest in Epping last year.