Telford English Defence League march: Alternative event to show unity in face of protest

Shropshire and Telford Trades Union Council has organised an event to celebrate social unity and cultural diversity at the same time as the EDL's protest on Saturday.

The EDL announced last month it would be marching through Telford following national reports claiming the town was the child sex capital of the UK.

The trade unionists have responded by organising an alternative event in Telford Town Park, which will take place at the same time around lunch time.

Union council chairman Andy Brown said the event would include music, food, and handicrafts, with guest speakers also in attendance.

Mr Brown accused the EDL of exploiting fears about child sex abuse in the town after Telford MP Lucy Allan called for an independent "Rotherham-style" inquiry.

She said it was important to learn the lessons of the past, and made the call after speaking personally to a victim.

Ms Allan's call came after a gang of Asian men were jailed for their roles in a sex ring involving teenage girls in Telford as part of Operation Chalice conducted by West Mercia Police. The call has been rejected by Telford & Wrekin Council.

Mr Brown said that while a report published in May revealed significant increases in reported child sex crimes in the area, this could simply be down to authorities being more responsive to the issue. The numbers do not mean that the level of child sex crime in the region has increased markedly, he said.

Mr Brown added: "We join with all decent people whatever their race, religion or background in condemning the sexual exploitation of children and young people.

"The plan is to celebrate our diverse community and give a clear signal that our community will not be divided.

"The EDL is seeking to cynically exploit the hurt and suffering that this issue causes. They are trying to whip up hatred and violence against a particular sector of our community."

News of the proposed EDL march comes five years after Theresa May, home secretary at the time, banned the far-right organisation from marching through Telford.

The group opted to hold a static demonstration instead.

Wellington town councillor Pat McCarthy said the last EDL protest in 2011 caused shopkeepers in Wellington to lose thousands of pounds as they were forced to close for the day.

"There were over 40 arrests and the police estimated that the operation cost £22,000.

"I witnessed the degree of stress it caused over weeks in our community," said Mr McCarthy.

"There has been unfair scapegoating of the whole Asian community because of the activities of a small number of criminals who are now behind bars."

Police aim for event to be peaceful

Police today said they are working to ensure a "peaceful event" as they prepare for the protest by members of the English Defence League, together with a counter march.

Drivers and visitors are being advised they may experience delays on some roads in parts of Telford town centre due to the pre-planned protest and procession in the town – but police say they are hoping people who want to visit shops will be able to carry on as normal.

Beginning at about 1pm, the EDL march will follow a route from Hall Park Car Park, at the rear of the police station, to Malinsgate Police Station – a distance of around 400 metres.

The counter protest is also taking place at the arena in Telford Town Park.

Police say they have been speaking with EDL organisers and the counter protest organisers to ensure a peaceful event with minimal disruption and police will be present.

Police advise delays could last through to 4pm.

Superintendent Tom Harding said:"We recognise people may be concerned about the potential impact these events may have on people living and working in Telford, however we are working with both groups and the wider community to ensure there will be minimal disruption and Telford town will be very much open for business as usual."

Those needing to travel to the area are encouraged to plan ahead as delays may occur during the hours of 1pm to 4pm. Members of the public who need to access Malinsgate Police Station will be able to do so as normal.