Nottingham City Council says it is concerned there is a “high risk” of trouble at a demonstration due to be held by the English Defence League.
The far-right group is planning the event for the city centre on Saturday, saying it will be a national rally of members and supporters from across the country.
A counter-demonstration has been organised by opponents of the group, and the city council says it is “totally against” the EDL’s presence.
Facebook posts by the organisation say the event will run from 1.30pm to 3.30pm on Saturday, but provide no further details on exact location in the city. More than 150 people have so far registered on Facebook as planning to attend, from more than 1,000 invited.
Nottingham City Councillor Dave Trimble said: “We have asked the Police to confirm what powers they have in relation to the planned EDL demonstration.
“The council is totally against this event. The council’s leader Councillor Jon Collins has already highlighted his concerns about the prospect of it taking place and the high risk of public disorder occurring.”
The timing of the event represents a significant test for Notts Police, who have said the priority is to keep any disruption to a minimum.
Officers will be working to to avoid the EDL event disrupting Nottingham Beach in Old Market Square, while the Riverside Festival at Victoria Embankment will be attracting big crowds at the same time.
Nottingham Forest will then kick off their first home game of the new Championship season against local rivals Burton Albion at 3pm.
Cllr Trimble added: “Obviously the event is a particular concern when families with children are enjoying attractions in the city centre during the school holidays.”
It is not the first time the EDL have organised a large-scale demonstration in Nottingham. In December 2009 around 300 supporters marched through the city centre.
Video: The EDL gather in Nottingham in December 2009
Clashes between the march, counter protesters and police led to 11 arrests. Notts Police deployed more than 700 officers, many of whom were drafted in from other forces.
A Nottinghamshire Police spokesperson said: “Nottinghamshire Police is aware of a planned English Defence League demonstration in Nottingham.
“As with any protest or demonstration the force is assessing the situation based on factors including the number of people expected into the city and the locations potentially affected.
“Any policing plans for the day will be subject to these issues, however our priority is to support a peaceful protest, deal positively with any criminal activity and ensure that other planned events and activities go ahead uninterrupted.”
Yousuf Farooq, an organiser for Nottingham Unite Against Fascism, said the group plans to hold a static counter-demonstration on Saturday.
“We reject the idea that multiculturalism has failed.” He said.
“Our event will be about promoting tolerance.”
He added the counter-demonstration was designed as a peaceful event away from EDL lines – but said counter-protesters from other groups may attempt to confront the march.
The EDL insists it is not racist, but in a statement setting out its reasons for Saturday’s event advocates a ban on building new mosques and “the end of public demonstrations which promote or celebrate Islam in the face of non-Muslims”.
Notts TV News has contacted the group for further details of Saturday’s event.
