Police to restrict BNP protesters

The event is being held on private farmland in Denby

Police in Derbyshire have imposed restrictions on protests planned against this weekend's BNP festival.

Using the Public Order Act, police and Amber Valley Borough Council have put in place designated times and locations for Saturday's protest march.

Last year, police arrested more than 30 protesters at the site in Denby, near Ripley, but no-one was charged.

Police are also planning to fly a drone fitted with cameras over the festival, which runs from 14-16 August.

Public safety

Protesters against the three-day Red, White and Blue event can congregate in Codnor Market Place on Saturday from 0900 BST before marching to a designated protest point in Codnor Denby Lane.

The protest can continue until 1400 BST when the procession must return to the Market Place, where protesters can remain until 1700 BST.

Acting Assistant Chief Constable Steve Cotterill said: "We are trying to find a balance between allowing legitimate assembly and maintaining public safety and minimising inconvenience to people who live or work in the affected area.

Our main aim for this weekend is that it passes off peacefully and any disruption is kept to a minimum Steve Cotterill Derbyshire Police

"Our main aim for this weekend is that it passes off peacefully and any disruption is kept to a minimum.

"To maintain everyone's rights we have used the Public Order Act to impose a number of conditions on the protest."

Officers have previously said it would cost "about £500,000" to police the event, now in its third year.

The pilotless drone plane would be used to record evidence of disorder near the BNP-organised festival, which takes place on private farmland.

Residents have been warned of disruption over the weekend while the protests take place.

Alfreton Road will be closed at the junction with High Holborn Road and several footpaths in the Codnor Denby Lane area will also be shut.

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