Far right protest march: Dudley traders defiant
Defiant market traders in Dudley have agreed to make a stand by remaining open for business when a far right group descends on the town this weekend.
The All Football Firms/Fans March Against Islamisation group is planning to march through the town on Saturday in protest over plans for a new mosque.
But stallholders say they are not afraid of the group and are determined to treat it like a normal market day.
The market has previously shut when protests were held earlier this year by Britain First and the English Defence League - also against the mosque plans.
But chairman of Dudley Market Traders' Association Len Lenihan said this time it would be 'business as usual' for the busy market.
He said they had confidence in the police plans in place to protect the town and wanted to carry on as normal.
"We haven't opened the last two times because of the numbers of people the two groups were expected to bring. But these numbers never materialised.
"This latest group is not as established so we do not believe they pose a threat.
"One trader is still considering whether to open but everyone else will be here.
"We feel there is nothing to be afraid of and the police are confident of this too.
"If we open for business this time, I think it sends the right message that we are not going to be dictated to by a group on the internet.
"The march might never happen. We will just have to see if we get the footfall in the town, it may still affect trade, but we will be open."
Dudley Council is offering free car parking for shoppers to encourage people to visit the town centre and support traders.
Councillor Khurshid Ahmed, cabinet member for planning and economic development, said: "As a community council we always do what we can to support the vitality of the towns and villages that we serve.
"On this occasion while forward planning for possible upcoming events on Saturday, we decided to back local traders by providing free parking for shoppers."
Some shopkeepers have decided to close, saying they need to protect themselves and their stores. But a large number have said they would remain open.
Police say they can manage the march to ensure there is no disruption.
The All Football Firms/Fans March Against Islamisation group insists it is not coming to cause trouble. It has urged shopkeepers in the town to remain open.
