Proposed EDL march

The English Defence League (EDL) have notified police of their intention to march in Leicester city centre on 4 February 2012. VAL, like many other organisations, do not welcome public protests of this type which target a specific racial minority community and can be damaging to community relations.

As part of our support and co-operation to address community concerns and minimise the impact on the residents of Leicester/Leicestershire, VAL is working with other agencies, including the police and the local authority, to formulate a plan of action.

Some of the proposed initiatives include activities for young people in libraries, museums, sports and community centres, youth groups and voluntary and community organisations. Leicestershire police are consulting and reassuring communities in all Leicester neighbourhoods and will use Twitter to convey accurate information.

Leicestershire Police are holding consultation events for women and young people on the planned demonstrations. The women's meeting will take place on Wednesday 25 January, 10am-11am at Highfields Community Centre and the youth consultation will take place Tuesday 31 January, 6.30pm-8.00pm also at Highfields Community Centre.