BNP no show costs taxpayer thousands

Martyn Dolton | Friday, 20 July 2007 Source: This is Essex

THOUSANDS of pounds of taxpayers' money has been spent on policing a proposed BNP demonstration which never took place.

Barking and Dagenham Police drafted in 69 extra officers from West London after the BNP announced earlier this month it would protest against the council's decision not to let the party have a stall at last weekend's Dagenham Town Show.

The authority refused the BNP a stall as it was a non-political event, which angered BNP leaders as London Mayor Ken Livingstone had already received an invite.

But group leader Richard Barnbrook said he called off the campaign after Mr Livingstone cancelled his appearance.

Mr Barnbrook insisted he informed the police 48 hours before the proposed rally of his intentions not to attend to avoid 'unnecessary spending of taxpayers' money'.

He said: "I am not one to waste taxpayers' money but this is the only way we could voice our objection if the council censors us."

But police bosses stressed that even though Mr Barnbrook had confirmed he would not attend, an invitation for party supporters to turn out was still on the BNP website.

Chief Inspector Andy Dunn, from Barking and Dagenham Police, said: "Despite the notice from Mr Barnbrook that he would not be attending, other party supporters, who had not been directly informed, could have still attended the demonstration, as it was still advertised on the BNP website on the day of the planned rally.

"In the interest of public safety officers were deployed as originally planned as a precaution."

Officers trained in public order offences and four police horses were part of the team drafted in.

Police officials were unable to confirm the exact cost of the operation at the time of going to press.