Celebration of diversity postponed due to EDL march in Telford
A planned event celebrating diversity in Telford has been postponed because of a march by the English Defence League.
A diversity and unity event was set to take place in Wellington Square on Saturday afternoon.
But the EDL have been given permission to come into the square at the same time, and organiser Councillor Pat McCarthy said he was concerned for the safety of people at his event if both were in such close proximity.
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Councillor McCarthy, who is leader of the local Green Party, said: "The police liaison meeting was told that the EDL will be allowed into Wellington Square this Saturday with stage and PA to amplify their hateful rhetoric.
"Obviously this is not something we can include at an event celebrating unity so, regretfully, the diversity and unity event that we had planned for the Square on this date has now been postponed until June.
"There will be a counter rally so that speeches intended to create fear and mistrust can be challenged.
Scapegoat
"The diversity and unity group believe Wellington Market square should never be used as a platform for groups which scapegoat sections of our society. There are many alternative meeting points that protect the right of free speech whilst not affecting shoppers and retailers."
Councillor McCarthy warned ahead of the ultimately cancelled march last month that businesses would suffer because of the EDL coming to town.
"It's not good for anybody, but particularly on a Saturday midday in Wellington centre," he said.
"People want to go to the local cafes to relax – they're not going to want these people in our community with the sort of language they use."
