12/01/2009 - Firms fear widespread Gaza protests
Small businesses were hit by the violent protests in London against Israel`s continuing military actions in Gaza.
Police now fear that the protests may spread to cities across the country as local firms and residents called for them to be more tightly controlled.
In Kensington, home the Israeli embassy, demands are growing for the protests to be moved to a more suitable location.
Said one resident: "Businesses like shops and restaurants - already on their knees - are laying off staff, and we are sealed in our homes every night as our street is closed.
"You have to have police permission to have a demonstration if there are more than a certain number of people, and it is unbelievable that permission keeps being given."
Commander Bob Broadhurst, the officer in charge of policing the protests, has spoken of the need to sit down with anti and pro-Israel protesters.
He said: "We will need to say, 'enough's enough'. People have a right to protest, but any reasonable observer would see what is happening and say, 'let's protest somewhere else'."
Copyright © Press Association 2009
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