July 09, 2011

Enormous Disruption Looming: Halifax counts cost of EDL protest

Traders across Halifax were today counting the cost of the English Defence League’s decision to hold another demo in town - today. Scores of pubs and other businesses will be shutting while the far-right group staged its protest.

Shops and pubs say they will lose business but want to avoid the disorder seen last time the EDL came to Halifax. Megan Forest, from The Three Pigeons, South Parade, said they planned to shut until 4pm. “We don’t want the trouble.”

Others closing include The Ring O’Bells, which will stay shut until the protesters have left. The Barum Top will be closed until 6pm. The Salvation will keep its doors shut till 5pm and the Plummet Line will also be closed till 5. Chris Lord, of Chris Lord Photography, said he was bound to lose business today because people will not be passing his office on Square Road. “We’re all trying hard to earn a living,” he said.

The EDL decision to come to Halifax will also mean Eureka, one of Halifax’s busiest tourist attractions, will shut for the day.

Police and Calderdale Council have designated the museum car park as the least disruptive spot for the protest. Police are also be expected to run a up a huge bill manning the demonstration. The force cannot say yet how much it will cost them but a demonstration in Bradford last summer cost the force £650,000.

MP for Halifax Linda Riordan said: “This has caused unnecessary disruption to people, businesses, and shopkeepers as well as affecting the local economy. It is outrageous that local businesses have been put in a position where they have to close for the day. I am confident the police will handle the situation effectively. But my message to the EDL is for them to go away and don’t come back to Halifax. I am sure the vast majority of people in this town, who are tolerant, respectful and decent, would agree with me.”

A joint statement from a group of Halifax organisations and individuals including Calderdale Council’s political leaders, Mrs Riordan, Halifax Minster, Calderdale College and Halifax Festival said: “The planned EDL protest is unwanted and damaging to everyone who lives, works and cares for Halifax and Calderdale. We support the right to peaceful protest but there is no clear reason why this group want to protest in Halifax,and the event will only bring tension, discord and anxiety. We have seen the impact of previous disruptive and criminal behaviour by supporters of this group in Halifax in recent months followed by the arrests of 16 people in April.

“Today is the first day of Halifax Festival. Eureka would be marking their 19th birthday in Halifax, but is now closed. It should be a day for local people to enjoy, a day for us to welcome visitors to our town, and a welcome boost for local businesses in difficult times. Instead, this protest – which will cost the police, council and partners many thousands of pounds – will disrupt our town and have a damaging impact on our businesses on the day itself and potentially afterwards.

“Fortunately, Halifax is a resilient place, with a clear determination to respond to the challenges of the economic recession. We are a place where people live side by side, with common values based upon mutual respect, tolerance and unity. The actions of the EDL in choosing to demonstrate in Halifax today show they care nothing for the wellbeing of anyone who lives, works in or cares about Halifax. They are not welcome in our town. It is time that they got this message.”

The protest clashes with the launch of Halifax Festival, but organisers say they are determined it will go ahead. A counter-EDL protest was being held today in King Cross Road, around noon.

Halifax Courier

6 comments:

NewsHound said...

PICTURE OF EDL-ER IN HALIFAX AT THE EUREKA CHILDREN'S MUSEUM WITH SMUGGLED-IN PINT AND BAG OF COCAINE, COURTESY OF SEARCHLIGHT!

http://www.facebook.com/hope.n.hate?sk=wall#!/photo.php?fbid=10150233505241854&set=a.159736531853.129947.91897231853&type=1

PLEASE ADD TO THE ARTICLE, KETLAN!

NewsHound said...

NAZIS MARCH TO HALIFAX: -

http://www.halifaxcourier.co.uk/news/local/edl_clash_with_opposition_group_1_3564022

NewsHound said...

THREE HELD AFTER RIVAL MARCHES: -

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/uk/three-held-after-rival-marches-16021495.html

Anonymous said...

From reports thus far, the Uaf/Trades union mobilisations today against the Edl have marked a shift in anti nazi activity.

Around 1000 in Cambridge and 300 Edl,

most Edl not from the area, around 500 Uaf etc in Plymouth, just over 100 Edl, around 300 in Halifax who fought off a rancid attempt by the scum to attack the Rally. Middlesborough saw about 250 -300 on our side, whilst they got soaked in the thunderstorm and were around 80 strong. Edl, for all their bluster had a bad one today.

Not to be complacent, but a good day for anti fascists. Cambridge and Plymouth particularly, saw broad based marches initiated by Uaf with wide Labour movemnent plus others involvement. A sign of things to come, we have to hope. Seems like many of those protesting today were either on strike on June 30th or supported the recent June 30 strikes...such forces can deal the Edl a decisive blow.

If we get it right, the Edl will regret coming to East London on the 3rd September. Well done to all today.

NewsHound said...

ANTI-FASCISTS OUTNUMBER NEO-NAZIS AND FOOTBALL HOOLIGANS IN CAMBRIDGE: -

http://www.cambridgefirst.co.uk/news/two_marches_with_1200_people_end_relatively_peacefully_1_957709

Anonymous said...

Good to hear we outnumbered the bastards by such a margin, numerical advantage is our only way to see off the twin threats from the EDL and the police.