English Defence League postpones Blackpool march

Policing the EDL protests in Blackburn cost the police an estimated £500,000

The English Defence League (EDL) has agreed to rearrange a planned march in Blackpool following a request from police.

Lancashire Police had concerns the march would clash with Blackpool's Premier League match against Bolton Wanderers on 14 May.

An EDL spokesman said: "The EDL are only to happy to facilitate this request with the local police."

Lancashire Police said an alternative date had not been decided.

A police spokesperson said: "We are grateful to the EDL for their co-operation in this matter."

The football match will also be rearranged if Bolton win this weekend's FA Cup Semi-Final against Stoke City, as the the FA Cup Final is also on 14 May.

An EDL march through Blackburn earlier in the month cost police £500,000, the Lancashire Police Authority said.