Massive bill for protest

Police, traders and taxpayers were today facing a bill of at least £500,000 after a controversial protest brought a Black Country town to a standstill.

Twelve arrests were made on Saturday amid widespread disruption as thousands of English Defence League and United Against Fascism supporters descended on Dudley.

Shops, most of which stayed shut for the day, were estimated to have lost at least £250,000 while Dudley Council spent £150,000 controlling the event.

And with West Midlands Police yet to reveal how much it spent on sending up to 700 officers to control the groups' rallies, the cost looks set to spiral higher.

A high-profile police operation on Saturday ensured there was no repeat of ugly scenes at previous EDL rallies in Birmingham, Bolton and Stoke.

The EDL demonstation, which was protesting against Dudley's planned £18 million mosque in Hall Street, was kept under control despite a breakaway group smashing down fences and throwing bottles at officers.

A separate event by Unite Against Facism (UAF) passed off peacefully.Thirty streets were sealed off, car parks were shut and scores of shops were boarded up for the entire day.

Council chiefs said the protest had cost the local economy £250,000 in lost trade as the majority of businesses in the town centre opted not to open up.

The council spent "a minimum" of £150,000 on staff and barriers.Meanwhile footfall at flagship tourist attractions Dudley Zoo and the Black Country Living Museum was badly hit on one of the busiest days in the calendar.

There were around 700 visitors to the zoo, in Castle Hill, and 1,100 went through the doors of the Tipton Road museum.

Deputy leader Councillor Les Jones said: "The town has lost at least £250,000 in trade. Smaller traders which shut for the day have each lost £2,000 or £3,000 and it soon adds up."

Chief executive John Polychronakis added: "We are extremely disappointed that Dudley was targeted by the EDL and are saddened to witness their public disorder and violence. This was not a peaceful demonstration."

Dudley Council made it clear from the outset that it was opposed to the protest taking place and we worked closely with the police to do all we could to protect and support local people and local businesses."

West Midlands Police said today they had received "no formal request" for any further protest in Dudley from either the EDL or UAF.

Spokesman Billy Corrigan said: "Our priority will always be the safety of the public whilst ensuring the longer term stability of our communities."

* A man was appearing at Dudley Magistrates Court today charged with possession of an offensive weapon.