Abortion clinic protest buffer zone could be enforced from April

A ban on pro-life campaigners 'intimidating and harassing' women outside an abortion clinic could be enforced as soon as April.

Ealing Council hopes to use special powers to 'stop harassment and intimidation for women' visiting the Marie Stopes clinic.

It has proposed a Public Spaces Protection Order which would give council officers and police the power to stop demonstrations at the clinic.

The council revealed the plan on January 16 but has launched its consultation to gauge public support for the idea.

The west London clinic has been plagued by campaigners accused of abusing and harassing women who use it.

A 'safe zone' has been proposed by councillors to ban any demonstrations on the street outside.

The PSPO will 'prohibit within that area people from congregating, displaying images and from approaching or monitoring people accessing the clinic'.> If breached, the council and police have additional powers to crack down on culprits.> A consultation has been launched inviting local residents to give their thoughts on the plan.