Petition launched against Britain First Telford march

Britain First will be heading to the town on February 25, holding its first protest of the year.

The group says it is marching in protest at "Muslim grooming gangs".

But Wellington town councillor Pat McCarthy says it has stirred up concern in the community.

He said he recently met with representatives of the Shropshire Islamic Foundation and Shropshire and Telford Trades Council who shared his concerns.

Councillor McCarthy is now collecting signatures on a petition, which calls for the protest march to be stopped.

Copies will be handed to West Mercia Police and Telford & Wrekin Council.

The petition states: "We strongly object to the overtly racist campaign being waged by the Britain First group and their determination to confront and insult members of our community with a march in Wellington centre.

"Their behaviour is likely to result in major cost to community relations and to our retail sector at least.

"We ask the police and Telford and Wrekin Council to insist that they express themselves in a rally rather than a more provocative march around our streets and that such a rally is sited away from retail and residential areas."

Councillor McCarthy fears the march could stir up trouble between Britain First supporters and people in the community who disagree with their views.

He said: "These groups' mission is to create division and mistrust in our community.

"We must reply to their violent bullying tactics with one voice, signing this petition will be part of that response.

"I'm certain it will cause confrontation and trouble if the march isn't stopped."

Andy Brown, from the Shropshire and Telford Trades Council, added: "As trade unionist we bring people together to fight for and protect their rights.

"Britain First stand for destroying peoples rights and the community solidarity that protects them."

Organisers have claimed that the protest march will be attended by about 200 people.