Council Leader asks Home Secretary to ban far-right for the next 12 months

Council Leader Richard Farnell

Rochdale Council Leader Richard Farnell has asked Home Secretary Amber Rudd to ban far-right demonstrations in Rochdale for the next 12 months.

The call comes following "disruptive and divisive" demonstrations by the English Defence League and Britain First on two consecutive Saturdays last month.

Councillor Farnell has also described the cost of policing the demonstrations - estimated to be in excess of £100,000 - as "an obscene waste of hard pressed Police resources as and an affront to every tax payer in the town".

Councillor Farnell said: "On two Saturdays we have had a few dozen nasty and extremist yobs invading our town centre. The amount of disruption they and a counter-demonstration caused was hugely disproportionate to the small number of demonstrators who paraded on our streets.

"Because of the trouble and public disorder caused at previous demonstrations in other towns, the police had no option but to mobilise 400 officers on each Saturday. At a time when police numbers are being cut and they are stretched to the limit in dealing with the threat of terrorism, this is an obscene waste of resources and an affront to every tax payer in the town.

"We need the police on our streets tackling crime and keeping the public safe, not being forced to mobilise 400 officers a time to prevent a few dozen skinheads and rabble rousers from causing trouble.

"These people are not welcome here. They caused disruption to shoppers, caused public buildings to close and the tram service had to be suspended.

"Their aim was to scapegoat a whole community because of the appalling actions a criminal minority. They want to spread fear and hatred among the people of Rochdale.

"It didn't work. We have excellent community relations in Rochdale. We get along and respect each other. Our decency and tolerance for everyone who lives here is strong will not be broken by a minority of hooligans from outside.

"I know banning demonstrations is the last thing we want to do in a democracy, but enough is enough. The threat to public order, the huge cost of policing the small number protestors (many of whom were drunk last weekend) means we have to make a stand.

“We are not prepared to put up with the hate and prejudice they peddle.

"In light of these exceptional circumstances I am asking the Home Secretary to use her powers to ban future demonstrations in our town by these two extremist organisations for at least 12 months.

"I know the people of Rochdale are fed up with the constant bad headlines and negative publicity. People are working hard to move the town forward. There is a lot of positive things happening.

“I want Amber Rudd to support us in our efforts to build a positive image for our great borough."