POLICE in North Yorkshire say they are well advanced in their planning and preparation to deal with any protests which may take place at power stations within the county.

It follows several days of protests that were staged last year by climate change campaigners outside the Drax power station near Selby.

We are committed to upholding the rights of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly

Acting Assistant Chief Constable Steve Read - North Yorkshire Police

Acting Assistant Chief Constable Steve Read, the officer responsible for planning and co-ordinating the police response to any such protests said: "Any operation mounted by North Yorkshire Police will be focussed upon upholding the democratic right to lawful and peaceful protest.

"However it must be understood that any criminal activity which occurs during a protest will not be tolerated. Any outbreaks of criminal behaviour will be dealt with swiftly and firmly and we will consider prosecution in all such cases.

"We are committed to upholding the rights of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly so long as such rights are exercised peacefully. That said, criminal acts whatever their supposed justification will be dealt with in a fair but consistently robust manner."

Lessons learned from responding to the protests and the Camp for Climate Action in the vicinity of Drax has also led to concerns about unauthorised encampments in the area.

Only basic toilet and washing facilities were provided and, although not determined as unsanitary by Environmental Health Officers, such basic facilities may have contributed to an outbreak of viral disease resembling gastroenteritis say the police; however no direct link was proven.

North Yorkshire police and their partner agencies have indicated that the establishment of unlawful encampments will not be tolerated.

"We will enforce the criminal law to dismantle any such campsites," said Mr Read. "Any member of the public who intends to camp whilst they attend such an event in 2007, is advised to reserve a place at an established and licensed campsite in the area.

"People should not come to North Yorkshire in the mistaken belief that unauthorised encampments will be tolerated."