A Watford group has urged people in the town to “build bridges instead of walls” in the wake of Donald Trump’s inauguration.

Members of Watford Hope Not Hate gathered in the Parade this afternoon with banners which read: "Hope Trumps Hate". 

As part of the ‘Bridges Not Walls’ initiative, campaigners across at least three continents are advocating for a better world, and better politics, following an extraordinarily divisive past 12 months.

Watford Observer:

A community event held by Watford NHN

"The message is simple,’ said Elisabeth, Senior Organiser at HOPE not hate.

"We’re asking people to join us to build bridges for a peaceful and just world, a world rid of hatred and oppression.

"At a time of increasing division, with some politicians seeking to continually divide communities and exploit tensions, we feel the “blame game” is no way to resolve issues.

"Division and the scapegoating eat away at the heart of our society," said Elisabeth.

"If we want any decent kind of future for our communities, we need to reject those who call on us to build walls between us, and instead begin to build bridges," Elisabeth said.

"In 2017, there is no more seating on the fence, voices of HOPE need to come together, get organiser and ensure together we trump over hate and division."

In December, Watford HOPE not hate organised a community event on the Holywell estate, and almost 200 people joined, including those from ethnic minority and faith communities, who brought traditional foods to share.

Trump will replace Barack Obama in the White House tomorrow from 5pm.

  • We will be running a live blog of events from 2pm.