Details of EDL protest in Preston revealed

A letter sent to all market traders by the council states protesters will assemble at The Blackamoor Head pub in Lancaster Road and will then be escorted to an assembly on Birley Street between the rear of the Town Hall and the old Post Office, where a rally will take place.

The Preston and South Ribble Trades Council and United Against Fascism are planning to hold a One Preston, One Community event on the Preston Flag Market.

Both protests are expected to run between 11am and 3pm.

In the letter, Adrian Phillips, the council’s director of environment, states: “The police have assured us that sufficient manpower will be in force to ensure that both markets can continue to operate safely and without inconveniencing members of public or traders.”

But this has failed to reassure market traders, with one commenting their “worst fears are confirmed” and that the outdoor market was being “sacrificed”.

In publicity for the rally, the EDL describes Preston as ‘another creeping Sharia city’.

The group references claims in national newspapers that parts of Preston are ‘no-go’ area for non-Muslims. The claims were dismissed at the time as ludicrous by police and faith groups in the city.

Representatives of the Blackamoor Head were unavailable for comment.