Anti-vax protesters hold demonstration outside vaccine bus in Bulwell market

Market traders have criticised a group of anti-vax protesters who gathered outside a Covid vaccine bus as people were queuing to have their jab.

Around 15 people were shouting “we want our freedom back” and sharing leaflets with people at Bulwell market on Tuesday morning (April 20).

The group made unfounded claims about the vaccine and authorities during the protest, which started at 10am and ended around 1pm.

Stall-holders at Bulwell market have shared their thoughts on the protest that took place just outside the Covid vaccine bus.

Andy Savage, a retired NHS worker who was assisting his friend, said: “They are complaining that the vaccine is killing people, but what they do not realise is that the virus has already done so.”

Mr Savage, 58, added: “I think that having the vaccine is a risk that most of us are willing to take, and these protests will not influence people.

“I do not feel threatened by them and I do not think that a lot of people do.

“The only thing, I would say, is that one bloke was shouting at people who were queuing to have the jab – that could be intimidating to some.”

Another stall-holder Melissa, 37, said that protesters may discourage people from getting their jab.

She added: “There were many people in the queue this morning waiting to have their vaccine, and some left because the crowd was intimidating.

“It has affected the atmosphere in the market today, definitely.

“You would usually see so many people smiling here, but today a small group is just shouting about Covid.”

Ian Astil, a stall-holder in the market, 48, agreed the protesters negatively influenced the vaccine rollout today.

He said: “People will get intimidated by that.

“I have had my jab and I think it is up to everyone’s free will to decide whether they want to have the vaccine or not.

“They are spreading misinformation and scaring people.”

The local NHS worked closely with Nottinghamshire Police to plan for such incidents and police supported the staff on site.

Inspector Christine Busuttil, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Officers were present and monitored a protest which took place in Bulwell Market today.

“They will remain to provide reassurance to the local community. There have been no arrests made in connection with the protest.”

The protest was livestreamed by participants, who asked to remain anonymous when approached by Nottinghamshire Live.

One woman claimed ‘false information’ had been given over the jab and that “it is sad to see these frightened people getting their jab today”.

A protester who recorded the event added: “One of our friends who is present here today has cancer in stage 4 – he is not frightened.”

The protesters also claimed Nottinghamshire Live editor Natalie Fahy was a member of a secret society. Natalie strenuously denies the claim.

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