HATE was fought with love when members of a far-right group descended on a South Wales town to protest against plans to house Ukrainian refugees in the town.

The town of Llantwit Major became the focal point for for far right and left, and those stuck in the middle, today, Saturday.

The right-wing group Patriotic Alternative held a long-planned prostest in the South Wales town.

They were met with counter protests both from members of socialist revolutionary Welsh Underground Network, some wearing masks, and separately a good number of others including many locals chanting “people should be welcomed here and not shunned away”.

It comes after Vale of Glamorgan council confirmed in January that an old primary school would be turned into temporary accommodation for people fleeing the war in Ukraine.

A South Wales Police officer told the Argus that two people had been arrested during the protest.

A group of locals gathered in the town centre holding signs saying: “The heart of democracy beats here”, “Llantwit Major refugees welcome fascists not!" and “Llantwit Major together for peace, love, kindness and compassion.”

Locals held a two-minute silence at midday for people who have suffered oppression and hatred.

Richard Parry, who was dressed as a Welsh cake said: “Welsh cakes are a sign of hospitality and being welcoming.

South Wales Argus:

A scene from the protest. Picture: Gareth Llewelyn Evans

“Our message is 'would you like a Welsh cake?'

“We are celebrating that this is a good place and we have come together in kindness.

“There is many more of us than them.”

Sisters Mena de Gama Creber, 19, and Nelle de Gama Creber, 17, (below) held a placard saying “Llantwit 24 together in kindness."

South Wales Argus:

Nelle said: “We are here to fight the horrible views that fascists have.”

Meanwhile, the extreme left and right groups appeared more intimidating, with some dressed in face coverings and hats.

A spokesperson for Patriotic Alternative said its members were always instructed not to wear face coverings on marches.

As one of the groups of protesters marched towards the railway station, a fight broke out in the street and punches were thrown.

Police wrestled with the protestors, one officer was punched in the face and left with a bloody nose.

South Wales Argus:

A scene from the protest. Picture: Gareth Llewelyn Evans

Posting on Twitter after the protests, the Welsh Underground Network stated: "Today the fascists in Patriotic Alternative came to Wales, and left with their tails between their legs.

"They were drowned out by an utter rejection of what they stand for, by local people first and foremost, and a coalition of anti racists from across Wales."

 

Speaking after the protest, Inspector Mark Henderson, from South Wales Police, said: “Officers have been present in Llantwit Major today to facilitate peaceful protest and minimise disruption to the wider community.

“The protest was in the main peaceful however two protesters were arrested.

“A 20-year-old man from Swansea was arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker.

“A 23-year-old woman from the Gwynedd area was arrested on suspicion of assault.

“Both were taken to custody.

“There are no other reported injuries and the protesters eventually dispersed without any further incident.”

South Wales Argus:

A scene from the protest. Picture: Gareth Llewelyn Evans

 

St Illtud’s Church in Llantwit Major held an overnight vigil last night as a space to think, pray, and be with other members of the community for food and activities.

Fr Edwin said there is a feeling that the group are ‘muscling in’ on a strictly local matter, funding was only secured for the temporary housing scheme in mid-December 2022.

It was reported that many in the area felt the site was suited for a local medical centre, however the council is proposing to build 90 units of temporary accommodation.

The decision sparked debate in the area, creating what has been described as "unwelcome interest" from the far-right group, Patriotic Alternative.