Basingstoke Council have thrown its support behind Black Lives Matter protests in the borough as long as they can adhere to social distancing guidelines

As the Gazette previously reported, BLM protests are planned to take place in town on Thursday and Friday.

Both organisers have told the paper there will be "strict" social distancing rules in place to ensure the safety of the public.

Today, the council's cabinet member for culture, communities and partnerships, Cllr Simon Bound, has spoken out about the protests both here and abroad.

He told the Gazette: "I was shocked and saddened to see the coverage of the death of George Floyd. I am not surprised that people here want to show their solidarity with his friends and family and all those who are challenging inequality and discrimination.

“Every one of us should condemn racism and intolerance wherever it happens. I support those in our area who want, through peaceful protest, to stand alongside all who are horrified and moved by what has happened. Black lives matter."

RELATED: Organiser of Basingstoke's Black Lives Matter protest speaks out against racism

Thursday's protest is due to take place at 2pm outside McDonald's in Market Place.

Event organiser Tom Hayford said the protests were important to show that racism isn't just an American problem, a global issue.

"Racism shows its ugly face in many facets of day to day life. I'm talking about discrimination in work, profiling by the police, just to name a few.

"I'm privileged to not have to live through this myself, but it's important that people of all colours come together in solidarity with everyone around the world."

Protests began last week in America when George Floyd, 46, died in Minneapolis, Minnesota, when a white police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes.

Cllr Bound added that they have been assured that social distancing measures will adhered to.

“It is vital that, in adding their voices to the growing chorus of protest, no one puts their own or other lives at risk," he said.

"I have been reassured that the organisers of the protest today at the Top of Town have contacted us directly to let us know that they are planning to instruct all attending the event to ensure social distancing measures are obeyed.”