Activists have arranged a countermarch against an English Defence League (EDL) rally due to take place next Saturday.

The protest march on June 7 is being organised by the Stevenage & District Trades Union Congress in response to EDL plans to march through the town.

Spokesman Trevor Palmer said: “Youth and trades unionists are demonstrating against any attempt to bring division and distrust between members of our community, which only plays into the hands of the rich and powerful.

“We will not let this go unchallenged. Please join us to voice your opposition to the divisive expression of the extreme right in our midst.”

A Facebook page called ‘Stevenage Against the EDL’ currently has 246 likes – while the EDL march’s event page has 339 registered to attend.

Dave Russell, a prominent member of far-right nationalist groups such as the EDL and Britain First, is expected to speak at the rally.

He has received thousands of views on his YouTube page with short pieces-to-camera – his most popular being ‘NO SUCH THING AS A MODERATE MUSLIM’ and ‘We need to do something NOW’.

Earlier this month Richard Harbon, chief inspector for Stevenage, said he had spoken to EDL organisers in order to “facilitate a safe and lawful event” and that extra police resources will be available to deal with any unlawful behaviour.