BNP event may move to Dales

Matlock Mercury by Danny Carden | Wednesday, 17 June 2009 | Click here for original article

A landowner who has hosted the British National Party's controversial Red, White and Blue event since 2007 is considering moving to the Peak District – and says the festival may come too.

BNP member Alan Warner wants to move after repeated vandalism at his home at Codnor Denby Lane near Denby, and violent clashes between anti-BNP protesters and police at the last festival.

Mr Warner said: "We go walking at Youlgrave and like it up round that area and have friends there, so that's one place we are considering.

"I can't say yet about the festival – it depends what sort of place I buy and how much land there is."

Over 30 anti-fascist protesters were arrested at last year's Red, White and Blue festival and police objected to it being granted live music and alcohol licences this year.

Mr Warner said: "People round here have given me a lot of grief for the sake of two or three days a year.

"But I'm not moving because I'm being driven out.

"Travellers have approached me, offered a good price and it's food for thought."

Mr Warner denied he was a racist or a fascist, adding he did not know the meaning of the word fascist.

District councillor Andrew McCloy, who is also Youlgrave Parish Council chairman, said the festival would meet with widespread opposition.

Mr McCloy said: "Youlgrave is a tolerant and friendly place and bigots and racists like the BNP go against everything we stand for.

"It would be inflammatory and I'm sure the police would have a lot to say. It sends shivers down my spine to think of BNP thugs turning up here," he added.

Derbyshire Dales District Council said it was unaware of any plans to hold the festival in the Dales and could not comment without more details.

But a spokeswoman added councillors would consider whether it undermined licensing objectives, including public safety and prevention of public nuisance, crime and disorder.