Anger as more far-right protests planned in Walsall
Two far-right groups are poised to hold demonstrations in Walsall later this year, prompting opposition from community leaders in the town.
The English Defence League is planning to stage a demonstration on August 15, while the United Patriot group is planning another in the town on October 3.
West Midlands Police confirmed they had been made aware of both events.
A group called All Football Fans/Firms Against Islamisation also hoped to hold another march in Dudley over plans for a mosque to be built in the town.
But the group, which marched in the town earlier this month, said these plans had been scrapped.
Chief Superintendent Dave Sturman said: "The force has no power to ban groups from protesting and we continue to liaise with the organisers to understand more about the proposed gathering.
"We are planning to keep disruption for those who live, work or plan to visit Walsall on that day to a minimum, while ensuring a safe and peaceful event for all concerned."
The United Patriots said it would be holding a peaceful protest in Walsall against the 'growing Islamisation in Walsall town'.
The group alleged young girls were being groomed in Walsall by Muslim men and cited allegations of terror activities in the town as reasons to hold the demonstration.
Councillor Sean Coughlan, leader of the Labour Group on Walsall Council, has contacted leaders of the other political parties on the authority asking them to jointly condemn the proposed EDL event.
In a statement to them, he said: "Colleagues, as previously I believe it is right and proper for us all to condemn the planned march by the EDL in August.
"Walsall does not need to be the centre of race hate marches or the negative economic impact to our already struggling town centre, I hope you will all join me in a united stance against these thugs."
Council leader Mike Bird has also condemned the planned events.
He said: "We should oppose these people come what may. They cause disruption.
"It disrupts trade and it costs us all money with the policing of it.
"The message to them is clear. You are not welcome in Walsall."
A previous rally by the EDL which was held in Walsall town centre in 2012 erupted into violence with fireworks and planks of wood being thrown.
A string of yobs involved in the violence were hauled before the courts and sentenced for their part in the trouble on September 29.
The Walsall Patriots organised a memorial service for murdered soldier Lee Rigby at Bloxwich War Memorial last month.
About 150 people, including children, attended the service, holding St George's Cross flags printed with 'RIP Lee Rigby' and images of the soldier on them
The group has been compared to the EDL but leader Liam Walsall rejected the suggestion, and said the service was a family memorial event.
