THE BNP say they will push ahead with plans for an armed forces day, despite being told they can’t have a market stall.

Jim Taylor, from the British National Party, said they had an agreement from a Colchester Council officer to run a market stall, from 9am to 3pm tomorrow, in Stockwell Street and Headgate Street. But Matthew Young, head of street services at the council, said the impending county and European elections made that impossible.

He said: “During the pre-election period, the council can confirm it will not be licensing any market stalls to any political groups. This is the fairest and most appropriate course of action at this time.”

The BNP had invited veterans to the stall as part of a party to celebrate the work of the armed forces.

Mr Taylor said: “As far as we are concerned, we have an e-mail that says we have permission and we plan to go ahead.”

Tim Young, leader of the council’s Labour group, said: “I think it is a worrying trend the British National Party wants to come to Colchester. I don’t think they will be made very welcome.”