Dudley Town Centre is once again battening down the hatches as it prepares for the return of the English Defence League (EDL).

Uneasy traders are getting set to board up their businesses for the second time in three months as the far right group and Unite Against Fascism (UAF) get set to converge on the town on Saturday.

Thousands of people attended the two protests in April, when violence and disorder broke out.

And with similar numbers expected to return at the weekend, worried traders are getting ready to count the cost of yet another day of lost trade.

The EDL rally will take place at Stafford Street car park during the afternoon, with the counter interfaith event by the UAF scheduled to run in another venue.

But despite Dudley Council maintaining the day will be business as usual – with only six road closures and council facilities including the library, museum and leisure centre all opening – traders say many are again choosing to shut up shop.

The town market traders have also all opted not to trade during the day.

Alan Caswell, owner of the Fountain Arcade Toy Shop, said: “The impact on Dudley trade is major. The last time we lost a couple of thousand pounds on one day and I know over 90 per cent of the town want to close again this time. We are all so annoyed and absolutely sick of it all.”

He added: “There is a real unease in the town, we don’t know what’s going to happen but we just don’t see the sense of opening to an empty town.

“I’m boarding up my shop as I'm on the front of a walk through and I can’t take the risk of my windows being broken. I don’t want to put my staff and shop at risk.”

His fears were echoed by Wayne Davies, of Harpers Flowers, who said closing his shop for the second time would cost him more than £800.

He said: “When you are in a business and the way things are going at the moment with the economy, we can’t afford to lose £800. It is going to penalise me and my business by having to close yet again.”

West Midlands Police are planning another robust policing operation during the day, with officers expected to be again drafted in from other forces across the country.

Officers, who have been busy reassuring traders, residents and shoppers over the last few weeks, will monitor Stafford Street car park, the UAF event as well as being stationed in the town centre and locations identified during the previous protests.

Chief Supt Tom Coughlan said: “Given the nature of previous protests, we are acutely aware that communities, locations or individuals may feel vulnerable.

“We have a duty to allow protesters to do so peacefully but incitement to hatred or violence or other crimes against people or property will be dealt with firmly.”

Meanwhile, town attractions including Dudley Zoo, the Black Country Living Museum and Showcase Cinema will all be open as usual on Saturday but visitors are being advised of six road closures.

In order for the police to facilitate the two protests, Stafford Street, Cross Street, Southalls Lane, The Inhedge, Stepping Stone Street and Dock Lane will be closed, along with Stafford Street car park and any surrounding streets as public safety requirements dictate.

The roads will be sealed off from Friday evening and will remain closed throughout Saturday.

Public transport users are being advised bus services will be in use but there may be diversions in place within Dudley Town Centre.

For more information visit networkwestmidlands.com