A well-known Preston face has taken to social media to make his point ahead of a planned demonstration by the English Defence League in the city.

Umar Ayub, who works for Virgin Trains at Preston Station, and is regularly pictured with celebrities on the platform, has made a video.

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In the clip he stands in the middle of Deepdale, an area of Preston which the EDL cite as a ‘no go area’ for non-Muslims and one of the reasons for their demonstration.

He is joined by Robin Maudsley, a resident of Deepdale of 42 years.

In the comical clip the pair discuss why Robin is in the area.

Umar and Robin in the clip

Viewed more than 80,000 times on Facebook the video has drawn a strong reaction from Prestonians.

Related: Umar and Robin react as EDL debunking video goes viral

Lynn Sime said: “I grew up in the heart of Deepdale it is a fantastic community with salt of the earth people from all backgrounds and I walk through it now with no problems at al it is as safe and welcoming as any area of Preston!”

The EDL has applied to Lancashire Police for permission to hold a static demonstration.

English Defence League members in Preston during a protest in 2010 Pic: pixel.eight

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Their application for the demo has seen a backlash from religious and civic groups in the city.

A joint statement signed by hundreds of political and religious leaders has been shared thousands of times on social media.

What did you make of the clip? Do you think the EDL should be allowed to hold the demo? Will you join the counter demo? What’s your view? Let us know in the comments below