Preston Market traders say their takings will take a dive when the English Defence League demonstrate in the city.
AdvertisementPreston Police and Preston Council have confirmed the far-right group will hold a static protest but it will not be on the Flag Market.
The group will be escorted from the Blackamoor Head pub in Lancaster Road round to Birley Street where their rally is to take place.
The Market Trader Twitter account, run by David Maudsley, posted a picture of the notice given to traders.
EDL DEMO-Worst fears just confirmed by @prestoncouncil outdoor market sacrificed next Saturday #saveprestonmarket pic.twitter.com/CJA2eYNpQO
— Preston Mkt Trader (@PR1markettrader) February 13, 2016
It outlines how the market will stay open and “police have assured us (the council) that sufficient manpower will be in force to ensure that both markets can continue to operate safely and without inconveniencing members of the public or traders.”
Mr Maudsley said he felt the public will stay away when the EDL come to the city, and the market has been ‘sacrificed’ for the protest.
Related: Religious and civic leaders unite to condemn protest
The rally is due to take place between 11am and 3pm, with the EDL being escored by police at all times from the pub, through to Birley Street.
On the Flag Market on Saturday 20 February a community event called ‘One Preston, One Community’ is taking place.
What do you think about the decision to use Birley Street near the Market? Do you shop at the Market on a Saturday? Let us know in the comments below