Walsall pub to host EDL supporters ahead of controversial protest
A pub has agreed to host EDL members before they take part in a controversial protest this month.
The Oak Inn, on Green Lane, will open its doors on August 15 for two hours ahead of the march.
More than 400 EDL protesters intend to join in the protest on the streets of Walsall.
Chief Inspector Martin Hurcomb, Walsall's local policing manager, said: "The licencee of the Oak Inn has agreed to host EDL protestors on the day of the planned protest in Walsall.
"West Midlands Police do not have any powers to stop any group drinking alcohol pre-protest but having one such venue makes absolute sense.
"We are grateful to the Oak Inn for opening their doors to the group."
The protesters claim the town has a child exploitation problem, although police have said those claims are 'simply untrue'.
The far-right group also assert there area areas in the town where non-Muslims are not allowed to go.
Ahead of the EDL's protest in Dudley in February, police organised for a nightclub to open early before the march.
