NEWS FLASH, EDL TO MARCH IN HALIFAX

“The English Defence League (EDL) has announced an intention to hold a demonstration in Halifax on Saturday July 9th. They are currently in negotiation with West Yorkshire Police regarding the event which, on our early assessment it is likely to involve around 500 people. There will be counter demonstrations by other groups, numbering, again on current estimates, about 150 people. West Yorkshire Police and Calderdale Council are working with other agencies, communities and protest groups to plan for the event with the key focus being the safety of local residents and minimum disruption to visitors, businesses and other events in the town. The right to peacefully protest is a democratic right which we (Calderdale Council and West Yorkshire Police) have a legal duty to facilitate, even though the views of protest groups may be something which some people strongly disagree. The police have no powers to ban a peaceful protest but may, if absolutely necessary, impose conditions to safeguard the public. Any criminal offences will be robustly dealt with. West Yorkshire Police and Calderdale Council have a great deal of experience in managing large scale public events and we expect this to be a relatively low key event. As such, we are planning for an increased, visible police presence on the day, with the emphasis on a reassuring, neighbourhood policing presence. We ask anyone planning to take part, to behave responsibly, respect other people's views and cause as little disruption to the local community as possible. This is an important family day for Halifax, with the start of the Halifax Festival and West Yorkshire Police and Calderdale Council want to ensure that anyone attending the Festival can have an enjoyable day out.”