A WALTHAM Forest group has pledged support for a controversial protest in Wootton Bassett.

A group itself Waltham Forest Muslims was formed following public outrage over the march proposed by radical cleric Anjem Choudary.

Mr Choudary plans to stage the protest in the Wiltshire market town, where the coffins of British soldiers are paraded through the streets in honour of the fallen.

The march, organised by Mr Choudary's radical organisation Islam4UK, is expected to see protestors carrying coffins representing the muslims killed in the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts.

Abu Nusaybah, spokesman for Waltham Forest Muslims, said there was widespread support for the march in Waltham Forest.

The 24-year-old, of Leytonstone, who is also involved in the Al Mansoora Youth organisation in the borough, said: "The group was founded in response to the media portrayal and the public's perception of the march.

"There is strong feeling in our community about the Afghanistan war.

"It is in their hearts and minds because there are muslim men, women and children being killed.

"We know from people we speak to in the Waltham Forest community that we have support."

However, prominent members of the Islamic community in Waltham Forest said the idea of a march through Wooton Bassett was "deplorable" and branded the group radicals

Councillor Afzal Akram, cabinet member for community safety, said: "I find it totally deplorable that these people are holding a march in an area like Wootton Bassett which will upset the families of those British troops who have been killed.

"I understand groups have a right to protest, but to do so there is insensitive.

"We are working hard towards community cohesion and this will be seen as getting in the way of that."

Today's press conference at the YMCA in Forest Road, Walthamstow, was attended by about 20 people, including representatives from Islam4UK.

Mr Akram said the level of attendance showed the group does not have the support of the wider Muslim community in Waltham Forest.

He added: "The turnout today shows the level of support these people have.

"They are a few radicals looking for their five minutes of fame.

"These people should get the message there is no place for this sort of thinking in Waltham Forest."

Politicians from all political parties have condemned the planned march.

Mr Nusaybah said he believed Wootton Bassett was the right place for the march because it had become "symbolic".

A date for the march is expected to be announced within the next week.

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