You’re not welcome, EDL told

THE English Defence League is not welcome in Oldham, according to Oldham Council leader Howard Sykes.

He spoke out after about 120 supporters of the group gathered in Oldham on Saturday, causing minor disruption.

Trouble flared when bottles were thrown at a police car by a group of 50 EDL supporters at the Middleton Road junction with Broadway in Chadderton.

Greater Manchester Police officers arrested four people for public order offences.

Councillor Sykes said: “This was an unauthorised gathering; nobody had sought the permission of either the council or the police.

“Supporters of the EDL coming from outside the borough are not wanted in Oldham. Their only aim is to damage community relations and create fear.

“People in Oldham can work together to deal with any issues that affect us without interference from outside trouble-makers.”

He also thanked the police for their “swift and professional” response.