THE English Defence League demonstration in Blackburn will be one of Lancashire’s biggest ever policing operations, according to the force.

A total of 4,500 demonstrators are now expected in the town on April 2.

Some 2,500 will be from the EDL, while 2,000 counter-protesters are expected.

Police said the EDL would demonstrate outside King George’s Hall from 12.45pm to 1.45pm on Northgate after being escorted ‘the shortest possible route’ from a meeting point along Mincing Lane.

The counter-demonstration will be in Sudell Cross.

It will involve groups such Unite Against Facism, Blackburn and Darwen Unite Against Racism, Muslim Defence League, Trades Council and National Union of Students.

Divisional commander Chief Supt Bob Eastwood said he would not be telling shoppers and other visitors not to come to Blackburn on the day of the march.

But he said: “The police will not tolerate damage to the town or acts of violence and I would urge anyone thinking of coming to Blackburn to attend either demonstration to bear this in mind.

“Our top priority is the safety of the community, people visiting Blackburn on the day, demonstrators and counter demonstrators.

“Our role is to facilitate peaceful protest. If anyone commits a criminal offence they will be dealt with fairly but firmly.

“The impact it is having currently on the Asian heritage community is varied in intensity.

"The EDL tell me they are not a racist organisation.

"However, some of their members do behave in a highly racist, intimidatory way.

"In some cases people do not want them to come to their town.

“We want to make sure that Blackburn remains open for business as usual and that there is no disruption to daily life, although obviously there will be a highly-visible police presence throughout the day.”

“We are facilitating peaceful protest, nothing more.

"We want to make sure that Blackburn stays open for business as far as possible.

A number of town centre roads are expected to be closed, but the details have not yet been confirmed.

Blackburn with Darwen Council’s director of policy and communications Tom Stannard said: “The bulk of the town centre, King William Street, outside town hall, the Mall, new extension and car park, Church Street will still be accessible.

“We are supporting the work the police are doing to make sure the day passes off peacefully and with minimum disruption for people. “