Cheshire East Council’s leader has urged out-of-town protesters outside Webb House in Crewe to go home – saying they are not helping anyone and are making residents feel very vulnerable.
Protests outside the HQ of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light on Victoria Avenue have continued since the building was raided by more than 500 police officers at the end of April.
The raids came amid allegations of serious sexual offences in the group, including forced marriage and modern slavery, which were reported to have taken place in 2023.
Council leader Nick Mannion said the council is continuing to support affected residents and he understands the concerns, frustrations and anxiety of people living near Webb House.
At a cabinet meeting this week, he had a direct message for those people who are continuing to protest outside Webb House.
“Many of you are from outside the local community, and I will say, please go home and stop,” said the council leader.
“Your actions are not helping anyone, certainly not the people living locally, including families with young children and older people, and I’ve been contacted by many, and they feel especially vulnerable about the late-night noise and associated anti-social behaviour.
“They’ve been disturbed and inconvenienced by your actions for too long. They want you to stop, go home and please allow the community some space.”
Cllr Mannion said he understood people have questions about Webb House and want more information.
“But it’s an ongoing police operation and the information that can be shared at the moment is extremely limited, you know this, and I will continue to update the communities as and when I am able to,” he said.
He added Cheshire East had set up a dedicated page on its website about Webb House and this would be updated with information the council can share.
Twelve people were arrested following the police raids – which took place at three addresses in Crewe including Webb House – and have all been released on conditional bail.
They are not allowed to enter Crewe.
Six of those arrested are subject to additional restrictions after police applied for slavery and trafficking risk orders.
Cheshire Police have stressed this is not an investigation into the religion, but into the serious allegations which have been reported.
Seven protesters have also been arrested since April.
Two have been charged and are due to appear in court on June 23.
(Story by local democracy reporter Belinda Ryan)
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