DUDLEY'S top cop plans to write to the Home Secretary in a bid to prevent further protests in the town following a series of demonstrations by far right groups opposed to the building of a new mosque.

Chief Inspector Phil Dolby, who led policing efforts up to and during latest protests in Dudley on June 13, told members of the public at a debrief meeting on Tuesday (June 23) that he was putting together a report for Home Secretary Theresa May detailing how the town has been affected by the demonstrations - the latest of which saw new group AFFFMAI (All Football Fans/ Firms March Against Islamisation) marching through the streets and anti-fascist campaigners descending on the steps of The Council House.

Chief Insp Dolby said Dudley had "weathered these challenges magnificently but it shouldn't have had to" and he pledged to take the matter to the top.

Dudley councillor Khurshid Ahmed urged him to ensure the report spells out firmly how Dudley has been hit hard by the protests and he added: "Temperatures are running high. It's affecting trade and the people. It's beyond acceptable now."

Independent chairman of the meeting, Chris Allen, urged individuals, business leaders and politicians to also write to the Home Secretary, with whom the power to ban protests that could pose a threat to public order rests.

Meanwhile councillor Zafar Islam said Dudley should follow an example set by Newcastle where thousands of residents and traders descended on the streets to show a united force against a group campaigning against the 'Islamisation of Europe'.

While Jerry Langford, organiser of the recent Unite Against Fascism counter protest, said greater numbers of counter protestors were needed to turn out to any future rallies and he added: "We need to be united to build the biggest numbers we can and stand together."

Chief Insp Phil Dolby said there had been some "brave policing" by officers attending the latest demo - which for a short spell threatened to erupt into chaos as AFFFMAI members mustered in Stafford Street ahead of a march to Coronation Gardens.

But a number of traders and residents from the Muslim community were angered over the short notice they were given by police that the march by football fans was to start near their homes and businesses instead of the previously intended Flood Street to avoid a walk through the town centre.

One man, who did not wish to be named, demanded answers as to why football fans were urged to start their event in an area popular with Muslim shoppers and especially busy on the day of the demo which took place just three days before the start of Ramadan and he added: "They keep on coming close and closer to us."

But Chief Insp Dolby said late intelligence meant officers had been unable to share the change of plan with affected traders and residents until the Wednesday before the march and he said negotiations were "still live and moving" up until details were announced at the public meeting.

He added: "I know that's hard for communities."

He said officers had received some "really, really positive support" from people in the town regarding their policing of the event but he conceded: "It's a really difficult balancing act."

Community representative Shaz Saleem said a number of residents and traders were concerned about the congregation of protestors in Stafford Street but he added: "Nothing kicked off because the police handled it really well."

He said the point of the debrief meetings was to learn lessons from past protests and he added: "We'll work with the police to find an alternative site if there's to be another protest."

Amjid Raza, spokesman for Dudley Muslim Association, said: "We see what the police were trying to do - they were trying to protect the town. "Unfortunately the only alternative for them at that time was Stafford Street - and traders and residents didn't find out until the Wednesday meeting and when news spread on Thursday it was a bit chaotic."

Chief Insp Dolby said the organiser of the AFFFMAI event has already announced plans to return to the town on Saturday September 12 but he said: "We're just in the negotiation stage at the moment. The best option is for it not to happen at all and we're trying to achieve that through negotiation but we'll keep everybody informed."

Meanwhile councillor Judy Foster, Dudley Council's deputy leader and Assistant Police and Crime Commissioner, said an event was being organised for Saturday September 19 to bring together groups from all faiths, backgrounds and communities to send a strong message that Dudley is a "united community" that would not be moved by hate.