No decision due on BNP festival ‘until election complete’

Derby Telegraph | Saturday, 2 January 2010 | Click here for original article

THE BNP said it was unlikely to make a final decision on whether to hold its annual festival in Derbyshire until after next year's general election.

But party spokesman Simon Darby has dropped the biggest hint yet that a venue would be found in a different county.

Red, White and Blue was held for the third consecutive year on fields belonging to party member Alan Warner off Codnor-Denby Lane, Denby, in August.

Policing this year's festival, and a protest against it, cost police £500,000 and £250,000 in 2008.

In November the Derby Telegraph reported that two or three alternative venues were being considered.

Now Mr Darby has said a final decision is unlikely to be made until after the general election which must be held on or before Thursday, June 3.

But he said the protests which came with the event had not been "fair on local people".

He said: "Making the final decision isn't high on our priorities list.

"But we have a responsibility towards the people who live in the area. Even though it wasn't our fault we are aware it has caused them quite a bit of discomfort."

Organisers of the protest, including Stop the BNP and Unite Against Fascism, said their action was necessary.

Amber Valley Labour MP, Judy Mallaber, said the festival caused noise and traffic problems.