Advertisement

EDL demonstration in Dudley

The English Defence League held a demonstration in Dudley today with a counter-demo by Unite Against Fascism.

View all 10 updates ›

Local businesses 'hit hard' by EDL protest in Dudley

Local businesses were hit hard today after they chose not to stay open when the EDL took to the streets of Dudley to protest against plans for a new mosque.

This was despite local police meeting regularly with organisers, councillors, business leaders and community representatives before the protest took place.

Throughout all of our meetings, we encouraged businesses to open as usual. Some, however, took the independent decision to close. I fully understand why they made that choice given the impact the last demonstration in Dudley had on the town.

– Chief Superintendent Chris Johnson

The protest apparently passed fairly peacefully but police say they will continue to support local businesses and help to make up for lost trade by holding a family day in the town next Sunday.

There were far fewer people than anticipated at the protests but despite the fact the operation ran as well as could be expected we must not lose sight of the fact that local businesses have been hit hard.

The reality is that the fear and anxiety caused by these kinds of protests meant that the majority of businesses did not open on what would normally be their busiest day’s trade.

– Councillor Pete Lowe
  1. Read more
  2. 10 updates
EDL demonstration in Dudley

More top news