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A Leicester woman is taking a stand against a fine she received for setting up a table in the city centre to protest against council cuts. Heather Rawling, a 72-year-old member of the Socialist Party, was fined £100 on May 31 for violating the new public spaces protection order (PSPO) aimed at curbing anti-social behavior. Rawling insists that she was not causing a disturbance or obstructing the highway, and she plans to challenge the fine in court rather than pay it.
According to Rawling, the table she set up was simply for distributing leaflets and getting people to sign a petition. She believes that the fine was politically motivated to suppress their campaign against council cuts. Rawling expressed her frustration with the situation, stating that they were not causing any inconvenience and were given no warning before being fined. Despite the threat of the penalty increasing to £1,000 if she refuses to pay and the matter escalates to court, Rawling remains steadfast in her decision to fight against what she perceives as an unjust fine.
In response to concerns raised by various groups, including unions and political parties, regarding the PSPO restricting their democratic rights, Leicester’s mayor, Sir Peter Soulsby, clarified that political activities are permitted under the order as long as they are conducted without the use of structures like tables or banners. The council emphasized that the PSPO does not impede freedom of speech but aims to address disturbances caused by amplifiers and structures. Despite some opposition to the new rules, the council noted an improvement in the city center’s environment due to increased compliance with the regulations.
The council confirmed that Mrs. Rawling was one of three individuals fined in May for breaching the PSPO by using unauthorized structures on the highway. Although the fines have sparked controversy and accusations of suppressing free speech, the council maintains that the PSPO is necessary to uphold public order and enhance the overall experience in Leicester city center. As the debate over the implications of the PSPO continues, individuals like Rawling are determined to defend their right to express their opinions through peaceful means
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