A NATIONAL Front march which had been planned in Kent this weekend has been banned.

The event was due to take place on Saturday in Chatham, but Kent Police and Medway Council had serious concerns it would lead to public disorder.

The Home Secretary Charles Clarke has approved the ban.

Jim Barker-McCardle, Deputy Chief Constable of Kent Police, said: "I asked Medway Council to seek the Home Secretary’s approval to ban a National Front march this Saturday because we had very real concerns that it would lead to public disorder.

"Before taking this step we consulted extensively with people in the community and Medway Council.

"The Home Secretary has upheld the request and so the march is now not taking place."

Medway Council Leader, Cllr Rodney Chambers, said: "We support Kent Police fully on this matter.

"We also share local community representatives’ concerns about the potential damage this march could do to community relations if it went ahead.

"At this time of heightened tensions following the London incidents in July I feel this is the appropriate approach to take."

Steve Reynolds, spokesman for the National Front, said: "We're very disappointed that a legal march has been banned.

"We will adhere to the ban but we will be applying to march again as soon as the ban is lifted.

"Although we can't march, we will still be going to Chatham to stage a demonstration."

The ban applies for one month from midnight on Friday.