VEF Blog

More than 1,000 oppose BNP event

Police in Derbyshire say residents and tourists may face disruption near Ripley as officers work to control protests over a BNP gathering.

Ther British National Party is holding its annual Red, White and Blue Festival at a site off Codner Denby Lane over the weekend.

Last year more than 30 protesters were arrested near the site, but no-one was charged with any offence.

An un-manned small drone aircraft will be used to video the event and protest.

Police said they expected a number of groups to meet at Codnor Market Place on Saturday morning to protest against the BNP's event and a protest march was due to be held on Saturday morning.

Peace and safety

Senior officers said "a significant policing operation was being put in place over the weekend in the area and local people could face some disruption".

Acting Assistant Chief Constable Steve Cotterill said: "Our main aim for this weekend is that it passes off peacefully and any disruption is kept to a minimum.

"We are expecting a lot of people to come to this part of Derbyshire both to attend the Red, White and Blue event and also to protest against it.

"We are very mindful of the impact that such large number of people coming into a relatively small area can have on the local community and we have been working closely with Amber Valley Borough Council, residents and all the interested parties.

"The people attending Red, White and Blue have a right to do so in peace and safety but we also realise that people have the right to protest in a lawful and peaceful way. Local people also have the right to be able to go about their lives as normal."