Dudley police to hold public meetings over mosque demonstration concerns

Britain First has revealed plans to march on May 9 - just two days after the general election - over plans to build a new mosque in the town.

Members of Britain First will follow in the footsteps of the English Defence League, which protested in the town earlier this year over the same issue.

Britain First members plan to congregate on the Flood Street car park at 1pm on the day, according to plans posted by group leader Paul Golding.

Chief Inspector Phil Dolby, from West Midlands Police, is helping to coordinate the policing operation which is being planned.

Officers will be hosting two community meetings in the town next Thursday and on May 6 to discuss concerns.

Meetings will take place from 6pm at Dudley Council House, in Priory Road, for residents, traders and businesses to attend.

A force spokesman said: "We are continuing to make enquiries and speaking with the organisers to understand more about the proposed gathering.

"We will be holding two community meetings. This will enable us to provide an update on the policing operation and answer any questions you may have in relation to the event.

Britain First's deputy leader Jayda Fransen, in a message through the group's Facebook page, said: "Literally every aspect of the day has been planned.

"We have got the routes agreed. We have got security provision. Everything is in place."

She added: "This march is going to set us apart from some of the groups you may have seen attempt similar demonstrations in the past."

In the message, the deputy leader said up to 2,000 people have pledged to attend through the group's Facebook page, adding: "We are expecting that to rise even further."

Large orders have been put in for up to 1,000 flags for people to wave and carry on the day alongside banner.

Britain First will have PA systems and are making plans to bring a marching band with them on the day to lead the procession in the town.

Miss Fransen, in the message, added: "It really important that all patriots come out, even if you are not local, come to Dudley, and we have got a great response from people all across the UK who are coming.

"It is going to be a good day. We are serious. We do mean business and we are not like the some of the other groups that you have seen recently that you have seen in the media."

In response, Amjid Raza, who is spokesman for Dudley Central Mosque and Dudley Muslim Association, said: "I understand that United Against Fascism is working on a plans for a counter demonstration.

"We have not spoken to police but with the meetings coming up with do plan too."

Many shops and business closed on February 7 as the town came to a standstill during the EDL protest and counter anti-fascism demonstration.

The policing bill ran to £321,000 as officers were drafted in from neighbouring forces to keep the peace.

Large steel security fences were brought in cordoning off sections of the town centre including around the historic market place to block potential flashpoints between the two protests.

Police have set up a dedicated hotline number 07824 824468 to offer a 24-hour information service to members of the public, businesses and traders ahead of the planned Britain First march.