Protest bill runs to millions

LONDON, England -- The cost of the May Day protests across Europe is estimated to run into hundreds of million of pounds.

Even if they remain peaceful, the protests have forced thousands of police to be deployed, businesses to close and brought disruption to major cities.

In London alone, the total bill will include money spent on cleaners brought in to deal with the expected mess.

RESOURCES May Day 2001 • Diverse agendas in Europe • Day in pictures • Ancient roots • Police preparations • Monopoly in London • Tension in London • Rallies around the world • Riots, dancing in Asia • Related sites

A fifth of all stores on Oxford Street were boarded up as shopkeepers feared an outbreak of anti-capitalist violence.

The Nike Town store was closed after police warned the sportswear firm that its main London outlet risked an "invasion" attempt by protesters.

Other shops on the street were expected to close early because of fears of violence later in the day.

Those businesses that remained open employed security staff and limited access to their premises.

Many workers at City firms were also advised not to come in to work unless absolutely necessary.

The biggest expenditure was expected to be for the 6,000 police officers drafted in to deal with the protests.

Last year providing extra officers was reported to have cost the Metropolitan Police £3 million ($4.5 million).

Westminster Council has spent £50,000 ($67,000) on extra cleaning operations, with staff and equipment drafted in to move rubbish accumulated during the day, including material which could be used as weapons by violent protesters.

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The Metropolitan Police Service
Westminster City Council
The London Chamber Of Commerce
Nike
McDonald's

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