The ban on marches does, however, allow the EDL to hold a “static protest” at the urban garden in Bradford city centre on Saturday, August 28.

Mr Brokenshire said in his letter to Tony Reeves: “Neither the police nor the Government have any powers to ban an assembly (static protest) should any group ask for one.

“Further, in order for protesters to get to assembly points, the police may need to provide an escort.

“Any such escort would be to safeguard local communities and should not be misinterpreted as a breach of the ban on marches.

“I know West Yorkshire Police are keen to communicate these points with the local community in order to manage local expectations and ensure there are no misunderstandings that could serve to exacerbate local tensions on the day.

“The application from West Yorkshire Police sets out the police’s commitment to use their powers to ensure local communities and property are protected in the event of any static protests in the city, and the police’s confidence they can manage any such protest with the support of the community.

“The police can impose conditions on the size, location and duration of a static protest if they believe it will result in serious public disorder, serious disruption to the life of the community or serious damage to property.”

There will also be a demonstration by Unite Against Fascism it is believed police will try to keep it away from the EDL gathering in a bid to prevent violence flaring.

A joint statement from Tony Reeves, chief executive of Bradford Council, and assistant chief constable Mark Gilmore, of West Yorkshire Police, said: “We welcome the Home Secretary giving her consent for the council to impose an order banning any public processions, including marches, in Bradford district over the bank holiday weekend, August 28 to 30. The Council sought the Home Secretary’s permission to impose an order prohibiting the holding of public processions in Bradford district over the bank holiday weekend, after receiving a letter from the Chief Constable, asking the council to do so and after listening to the views of a wide range of local groups and organisations.

“Even though the Home Secretary has given her consent it does not prevent any static demonstrations taking place, which are still lawful provided they remain peaceful, as we have no legal powers to prevent them.”

Paul Meszaros, of banner organisation Bradford Together, co-ordinated the campaign against the EDL march and delivered a 10,700-signature petition to the Government.

Calls for the ban have been backed by Bradford‘s business and religious leaders, politicians, West Yorkshire Police Authority and the force’s Chief Constable, Sir Norman Bettison.

Mr Meszaros said: “We are really pleased that the Home Secretary has consented to the ban.

“We are pleased that the people of Bradford have been listened to and we would like to thank the Telegraph & Argus for its magnificent support.”

Bradford Council Leader Ian Greenwood said: “We are grateful to the Home Secretary for considering this. It is not an easy decision.”