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Concern over BNP's Blackpool parade
EXTRA police will be drafted in to prevent trouble flaring at the BNP's Blackpool victory rally.
The controversial far right party is heading to The New Kimberley Hotel on Saturday to celebrate winning two seats in the recent European Parliament elections.
Anti-fascist groups today predicted at least 500 campaigners would join a protest outside the New South Promenade hotel.
The BNP event – which includes an afternoon of political speeches and an evening of live entertainment – coincides with the start of National Veterans' Week when thousands of current and ex-servicemen and women will be in the resort.
Council leaders said everything must be done to make sure the rally and protest, organised by Lancashire-based Unite Against Fascism (UAF), did not impact on the veterans' commemorations.
BNP leader Nick Griffin was pelted by eggs when he tried to hold a press conference last week.
Although UAF leaders said the Blackpool protest would be "peaceful" police are taking no chances and confirmed they will be increasing patrols around the hotel.
Chief Insp Karen Simister, from Blackpool Police, said: "An operation focused on ensuring the safety of the public has been put in place to ensure the event and associated protests pass without incident.
"While respecting the right to lawful protest, we will be seeking to minimise any disruption to the wider public."
Jain Gaune, Blackpool and Fleetwood co-ordinator of Unite Against Fascism (UAF), said: "Since the Euro election lots of youngsters have joined the cause. We had around 500 in Manchester last week when Nick Griffin (BNP leader) turned up for a press conference.
"We're confident of the same amount turning up in Blackpool."
Opposition to the BNP rally – dubbed by Mr Griffin as "a truly awesome event" – has come from all sections of the political divide, but leaders have called for calm ahead of the planned demonstrations.
Blackpool Council leader Peter Callow said: "Opposed as I am to the view of this party you cannot deny they have been elected in the proper manner. The best thing to do is ignore the fact they are here, but these protesters are giving the BNP the oxygen they need.
"I would urge the police to do all they can to avoid a confrontation between the BNP, the demonstrators and the veterans in Blackpool."
This month's Euro elections saw 10 per cent of those polled in Blackpool voting for the BNP.
This weekend's rally will be the fourth time the party has held an event at the New Kimberley, the site of the BNP's annual summer conference.
Alan Reed, manager at the nearby Warwick Hotel on New South Promenade, said: "In the past it's been kept fairly low key.
"You hear some shouting and a bit of chanting, but most of our guests don't even notice it's going on."
Steve Pyatt, owner of the neighbouring Waldorf Hotel, added: "I believe in freedom of speech. What concerns me is when people are against freedom of speech."
"But who is paying for the policing? If football clubs have to pay when there's a big game on then political parties should have to when they hold an event."
BNP organisers and management at the New Kimberley were unavailable for comment.
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Weather for Blackpool
Friday 25 May 2012
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Temperature: 13 C to 24 C
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