BRADFORD'S police chief and Council leader have joined forces to pledge they will work together with the community to prevent a demonstration by a far-right group causing disruption to the city.

Divisional police commander Simon Atkin and Councillor Dave Green both insisted that Bradfordians would be able to go about their business.

The English Defence League is planning a national demonstration in Bradford on Saturday, November 14.

But Chief Superintendent Atkin said: “West Yorkshire Police is highly experienced in dealing with these protests. We have done it a number of times in recent years and have been pretty successful."

He said police would again look to work closely with the community, and with its full support, make sure the demonstration passes off peacefully.

Chief Supt Atkin added: “We want to make sure that people can go about their daily business with as little disruption as possible.

“The most recent similar event passed off without any major difficulties, and the support of the public was crucial to that.

“We would hope for the same support again to make sure this passes off peacefully.”

The EDL held protests in the city in 2010 and 2013, but the police and the community ensured they were relatively uneventful.

Councillor Green said yesterday there was no legitimate reason for the EDL to demonstrate about anything in Bradford.

Coun Green said: "They are clearly coming to try and disrupt the life of the city, and I would urge people of the district to go about their daily lives.

"We will work with the police to minimise any disruption to the city and its economy, but that needs the co-operation of everyone in the district to make sure that the really positive steps we have taken in the city centre are not damaged by the actions of these people, who are coming into Bradford in an attempt to cause splits and concerns within the community.

"We need to rise above it and to demonstrate that Bradford is a really cohesive city and proud city and we are not going to let these people from outside the district damage the good work that has been going on over the last few years."

On the eve of the last demonstration, two years ago, religious leaders, faith and community organisations held a celebration event in Centenary Square aimed at bringing people together. The Muslim Women’s Council praised "our diverse and complicated city."