Statement About Stoke-on-Trent City Centre Demonstrations

Stoke-on-Trent City Council is working with Staffordshire Police to return the city centre to normal after the English Defence League rally on Saturday 23 January.

Councillor Brian Ward, Deputy Leader of the city council, said:

“We are unhappy that the demonstration took place and at the significant disruption to local businesses and to people who wished to spend the day in the city centre.

“We want to offer our support in local businesses in the clean up operation and ensure that they receive assistance in returning things to normal as quickly as possible.

“We are disappointed that some people chose not to peacefully protest in the city centre, but the police handled the event well and did what they needed to in order to prevent any serious incidents taking place.”

Chief Executive John van de Laarschot added:

“Stoke-on-Trent is a strong, multicultural city. We don’t want violent extremism in our city and while some protesters chose to cause trouble, the rally was handled effectively and fairly by the police.

“We will be continuing to help the police in the days after the event to ensure the city centre returns to normal as quickly as possible, and our staff will be making sure that any issues for residents or businesses that have arisen as a result of the rally are resolved immediately.”