Magistrates’ Court to hear appeal this week from community church against council decision to issue Community Protection Notice over preaching

The Bread of Life Community Church, represented by Christian Legal Centre, believes the CPN represents an “unprecedented use of public-order powers” against an entire church, rather than individual street preachers.

The notice prohibits the church’s use of amplification during its regular city-centre outreach. Breaching the notice could result in criminal sanctions.

Community protection notices were introduced in the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 and can be issued to anyone aged 16 or over, or to a body, if their conduct is having a detrimental effect, of a persistent or continuing nature, on the local quality of life and if the conduct is unreasonable.

The Bread of Life Community Church contends that the notice “goes beyond concerns about amplification and seeks to regulate the content of Christian preaching, including references to traditional biblical teachings”.

Last week, supporters of the church gathered outside Colchester City Council’s offices to deliver a petition to the council’s chief executive, Pamela Donnelly, opposing the authority’s decision to issue the CPN.

The CitizenGo petition, which has been signed by more than 27,000 people, calls on the council to withdraw the notice.

According to Christian Legal Centre, the group will now appeal the notice under section 46 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 at Basildon Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (22 October).

Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre, said: “This case goes to the heart of Christian freedom and freedom of expression. Powers intended to tackle genuine anti-social behaviour must not be used to silence lawful Christian outreach or prevent Christians from sharing their faith in public.

“The petition reflects growing concern that the consequences could reach far beyond this case, affecting churches and Christian ministries across the country. Christians must remain free to share the hope of the gospel openly and peacefully.”

A Colchester City Council spokesperson said: “The council received multiple complaints over a period of time regarding conduct and behaviour that caused alarm and distress to members of the public.

“Council officers engaged with those involved, explained the impact of the behaviour on others and provided guidance on expectations. When complaints continued, a Community Protection Warning was issued, followed by a Community Protection Notice.

“The Community Protection Notice carries a right of appeal to the Magistrates’ Court, which has been exercised. The matter will now be determined by the court.”

Lottie Winson