LABOUR Party bosses are calling for a far-right march in the city to be banned, following violent clashes at the last rally.

The English Defence League intends to hold another rally in the city over plans to build a £3million mosque in Stanley Road, Worcester.

More than 700 people have signed a petition in a bid to stop the demonstration from going ahead, due to the abuse and violence at the previous rally on July 21.

Opponents of the EDL have also organised a counter protest to coincide with the march on September 1.

City councillor Adrian Gregson, leader of Worcester City Council's Labour Party group, said: "The EDL is an organisation dedicated to inciting hatred within communities.

"It causes division, friction and alienation where there is none, and it thrives on our most basic prejudices. There is no room for them in the faithful city of Worcester. This alone is enough reason to ban them."

Cllr Gregson added that the march would be expensive to police, deter tourists and damage the city's reputation.

He also said people who oppose minorities are not welcome in the city.

Laura Lane, who has organised the counter protest, said other far-right groups, including the Stoke-on-Trent Infidels, Yorkshire Patriots and the Northern Democratic Football Lads Alliance, plan to take part in the upcoming EDL rally.

She said: "This time they have not stated their intent or that they will be holding a peaceful demonstration, but have instead shared propaganda to instigate a 'fight' or a 'civil war', with many supporters calling for weapons and violence.

"We will be there to greet them again, not to have a 'fight' as they wish but to simply be a positive presence for the public, and to show them that Worcester is a tolerant and loving community that is proud of our multiculturalism and respect for others."

The 26-year-old university student described the last counter protest in Cathedral Square, Worcester, as a success, with hundreds of people from a range of different backgrounds coming together to oppose hatred.

Worcester in Solidarity, which has started the petition against the second EDL rally, called on the police, Home Secretary, council and other agencies to stop the rally from going ahead.

Three people were arrested and two police officers were injured in the EDL march on July 21.

Chief Superintendent Mark Travis, of West Mercia Police, said: "We are aware of, and understand, the concerns among our local communities regarding comments by the English Defence League (EDL) about returning to Worcester on September 1.

"We are currently at an early stage of reviewing the intelligence, including community intelligence and concerns, surrounding these comments. At this stage we are keeping an open mind to the planned activity on the day.

"The right to peacefully protest is a fundamental democratic right and our role is to prevent any crime and disorder and ensure a proportionate policing response is put in place. The situation will be continually monitored.

"I can assure people in Worcester that we are working with a range of other agencies and community partners in the city to ensure we are prepared for this event and that ensuring our communities and businesses are protected from harm remains our focus."

A Worcester City Council spokesman added: "“Worcester City Council is working closely with the police and other city partners in preparation for September 1.”

A Democratic Football Lads Alliance spokesman claims the group does not intend to attend the rally, contrary to an EDL Facebook post.

A Wetherspoon spokesman said it will keep its two pubs in the city, the Postal Order and The Crown, closed until around 6pm on September 1.