THE Dudley community is showing a united front ahead of an English Defence League rally to protest against plans for a new mosque in the town.

More than 100 borough politicians, trade unionists, and faith group members have signed a ‘unity statement’ voicing their concerns about the hundreds of EDL supporters set to descend on Dudley on Saturday (February 7).

The statement, which includes signatures from Reverend Andrew Wickens from Top Church, Imam Hashmi from Dudley Central Mosque and Dudley Council’s leader Councillor Pete Lowe, reads: “The violence and racism displayed at their previous demonstrations in Dudley, as well as elsewhere, is not something that is good for harmony within our town or borough.

“As people who live and work in the borough of Dudley, we celebrate the peaceful and harmonious relations we enjoy with fellow residents and neighbours from many races and faiths.

“We continue to affirm that we will not let anyone divide us one from another.”

Cllr Lowe said the protest, which will take place outside Dudley Council House from 1pm, would “add nothing” to the council’s discussions in relation to the proposed mosque in Hall Street.

He said: “Dudley Council is currently awaiting the outcome of a High Court appeal hearing in mid-February in relation to buying back the land in Hall Street from the Dudley Muslim Association. If successful, the land will be transferred back into the council’s ownership.”

He also made it clear that the borough could resolve its own local issues and pointed to the proud tradition of people of all backgrounds getting along, adding: “We are clear as a community and as a council that the EDL is not welcome in Dudley borough but there are no legal powers available to stop a static democratic protest.

“In addition to potentially causing financial loss to local businesses, previous visits have cost the taxpayer around £1million.

“We are working closely with the police to minimise the impact on businesses in the town.”

Violence erupted at previous EDL protests in Dudley back in 2010 but Commander of Dudley Local Policing Unit, Chief Superintendent Chris Johnson, said he was confident it would be “a peaceful event”.

He said the force had been working with the community to put a policing plan in place and the EDL had been "helpful" in terms of sharing the intended time and place of the protest.

Chief Supt Johnson added: "People are nervous and understandably so. But from what we have seen nationally and recently in Birmingham, I believe this has the potential to be a peaceful event rather than what we remember from 2010.

"There will be significant resources on the day from across the whole force to support the operation."

The Rock Zombie bar, on King Street, has reluctantly agreed to act as a meeting point for the EDL after being asked by police.

The bar will donate its resulting profits to the Brain Tumour Charity.

Officers will also be keeping tabs on a counter demonstration, organised by Unite Against Fascism, which will take place at Castle Street, near the Earl of Dudley statue, from 11am.

Road restrictions will be in place between 6am and 6pm, including Castle Gate island at Castle Hill, Hall Street, Flood Street, King Street at New Mill Street, Ednam Road and Priory Road at the islands with The Broadway and Paganel Drive.

Residents with any concerns or questions relating to the rally can call the council's dedicated protest line on 07824 824 468.

Live coverage from the event will be online at dudleynews.co.uk and on Twitter @DudleyNews1.