Police and Council prepare for EDL Protest in Telford

Superintendent Gary Higgins, Territorial Policing Commander in Telford, and Council Leader Kuldip Sahota have reassured local people that preparations are at an advanced stage and that full details will be released about the policing operation as soon as is possible.

Superintendent Higgins said:

"Our operational planning for the day is almost complete and once these plans are finalised we will make them public so that local residents understand what to expect.

"Our first priority will be to inform residents and businesses directly affected by a possible march about our plans, but we will also release these details to a wider audience via the local press once they are finalised too.

"I would ask people to remember that we simply cannot stop EDL members from coming to Wellington to hold a peaceful protest. However, we will make sure than everyone attending the protest understands their legal responsibilities and also warn them that anyone who does break the law can expect to be dealt with very robustly.

"I would like to take this opportunity to reassure local people that a significant police presence will be on duty on the day and that we will have resources available that will allow us to deal with every likely eventuality.

"As Territorial Policing Unit Commander in Telford my main focus is the people that I serve locally and working to ensure that any march or protest that does occur passes off peacefully and with as little impact on communities in Telford as is possible."

Meanwhile, explaining the excellent relationship between the two partner agencies, Council Leader Sahota said:

"As a Council, we have excellent working relationships with our partners, built on trust and respect. We will continue to work closely with them on the plans for this event, making sure that the safety of all our communities are at the forefront of all our plans.

"The Council has set up a small working group made up of councillors and officers to support the Police. The group is working closely with the Police to produce an operational plan to manage this event safely."

Time change for AFC Telford V Luton Town match
The AFC Telford V Luton Town match due to be held on the same day will kick off at the later time of 7.45pm.

Speaking about the reasons for the change, Chief Inspector Keith Gee  said:

"West Mercia Police understand the frustrations of supporters of both clubs  in relation to the new kick off time but the circumstances surrounding this  fixture - and it's clash with a planned EDL protest in Telford - are highly unusual. Had it not been for the protest, we have no doubt the game would have proceeded as the planned 3pm kick off.

"On Saturday 13 August the planned protest is set to take place in Wellington - less than half a mile from AFC Telford's stadium - which presents obvious problems in terms of ensuring the safety of those supporters travelling to the game. We have worked extremely hard with both clubs to find a solution that is satisfactory to everyone involved and one of our suggestions was reversing the fixture so that Luton entertained AFC Telford that day. Unfortunately, due to demolition work at Kenilworth Road this was not possible."

"We are extremely sorry for any inconvenience caused to supporters of both  clubs in this instance but if the game is to take place on the day - as is the desire of the clubs and the Football Conference - then a 7.45pm kick off with alternative ticketing arrangements was the only option we were comfortable with. These arrangements have been negotiated to ensure the safety of genuine fans who wish to come and enjoy the football. Please remember that we not only have to police the protest and the football match, but also the rest of the Telford & Wrekin too so that we can ensure the safety of all our residents and visitors."