Hundreds to descend for EDL mosque march in Dudley

A page on Facebook set up by the far right protest group reveals at least 2,000 more people have been 'invited' to protest on February 7.

There were pleas today for the group to stay away from Dudley amid concerns that the demonstration will result in shops losing a day's business.

Bill Etheridge a councillor in Sedgley and a UKIP MEP, said: "I urge the EDL to cancel their planned demonstration in Dudley and ask that local people resist the temptation to get involved.

"I pledge to work hard on behalf of the people of Dudley to ensure their voices are heard in a calm and reasonable way on the issues, especially the mosque proposal.

"Please don't deny the traders in Dudley a day's business during these tough times. Please don't be tempted to take action which may lead to hate and division in our area.

"The people of Dudley can resolve the mosque issue and anything else that comes our way without this kind of demonstration and activity.

"I am willing to meet with anybody who is involved with this demonstration in an effort to persuade them that their voices and concerns can be listened to without resorting to this kind of protest."

Dudley Muslim Association is locked in a long planning battle with Dudley Council over a proposal for a mosque on land off Hall Street.

Towards the end of last year the association won planning permission for the mosque. But it faces at least two court hearings and legal wrangles before it can be built.

In an attempt to avoid the escalating court costs and resolve community disharmony, Muslim leaders say they will consider alternative sites.

Some 600 EDL supporters came to Dudley to demonstrate against the planned mosque in 2010. Violence broke out and parts of the town were brought to a standstill.

On its Facebook page the EDL said: "The EDL will be holding a national demo in Dudley against the building of a super mosque there."

West Midlands Police is aware of the plan and said it is working for a 'peaceful event'.