8:10am Monday 22nd March 2010
Both Unite Against Fascism and the English Defence League said they they were the winner of Saturday's rallies.
The UAF claimed a victory over the English Defence League in the battle of the two protests.
Around 1,500 to 2,000 UAF supporters started arriving in Victoria Square at around 9am and stayed until just before 4pm, around half an hour after police had cleared EDL protesters from the area.
A spokesman said: “We were happy that we stayed in Victoria Square longer than the EDL but we were unhappy with the policing, which was very disappointing.”
But another protester, who travelled from London, said he was pleased with the show of support from local people.
He said: “We were kept out of the square for quite a while but we got a fantastic reception when we did eventually get in there. It was a very successful day from where I was standing and we let the EDL know we were here and that we despise their views.”
EDL supporters also claimed they came out on top and got their point across, with more than 1,500 supporters arriving in the town to protest against Islamic extremism. Many protesters insisted they were not racist and were simply standing up for British values.
Lewis Dickinson, aged 21, of Preston, said: “I’m standing up for the rights of our country and our beliefs. If you come to our country and live by our rules, there’s no problem, but don’t try and change our country. This demonstration is quite pleasant, we’ve got a purpose and there’s not been much violence — that’s not what we’re about.”
One member, Ben from Blackpool, said: “I’m not racist, I’m just against Islamic extremism. I’m wearing an Indian flag, I’m here with a Sikh friend. We want to stop Islamic extremism.
“The majority of people here are true EDL, but some are not.”
A man who did not wish to be identified said: “I’m here because I’m fed up with the government not listening to the British people of this country.”
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.thisislancashire.co.uk/trade_directory/