Traders have called on the authorities to keep demonstrations out of the city centre as fears of clashes between opposing political groups mount.

A right-wing nationalist group called March for England is planning to hold a rally in Brighton next Sunday. But an organisation called Stop the March for England has called on residents to do everything they can to disrupt the event. Meanwhile Brighton Unite Against Fascism is planning a series of meetings to mobilise against the nationalists’ march. Past events have seen counter- demonstrators face-off against marchers outside Brighton Station.

Last year about 350 police were used to separate March for England members and Unite Against Fascism protestors. Now traders want the police and council to move the demonstrations out of town. But Brighton and Hove City Council said it would be potentially unlawful to impose a blanket ban on marches in the city.

A spokesman said there are clear legal reasons why the local authority cannot impose a blanket ban on marches. The council can take a view on how it handles marches and protests but has to apply them on a case by case basis taking into account public safety, public order and minimising obstruction of the highway for prolonged period of time and the need to protect freedom of expression.

David Sewell, chair of the North Laine Traders Association, said that whether the events are peaceful or not, they would drive shoppers out of the centre. He said: “It’s just the fact that The Argus will report it, as it must.

“People read reports and decide to stay away from the centre. They will go somewhere else. “ “I want small businesses to lobby to get the events held away from the city centre.”

Claire Ottewell, chair of the Tourism Alliance said: “We support the North Laine Traders’ call to hold demonstrations away from the city centre.

“We don’t support this political event in terms of the damage it could do to both the tourism economy and the reputation of the city.

We celebrate that Brighton is regarded as a free-thinking city, however in these times of economic gloom it is not wise to be courting anything that has a negative impact on the main economic sector.”

Brighton and Hove City Council leader Bill Randall said: “The right to freedom of expression in a democracy is crucial and that includes political expression.”

Andrew Burnyeat, chair of the Brighton Business Improvement District, said the demonstrators should stay away. He said: “The March for England used to be a traditional and peaceful St George’s Day affair which many people could participate in and enjoy.

“In recent years it seems to have been hijacked by overtly political elements on the racist far right. “We would rather these people did not come to Brighton as they can only add to the problems faced by small businesses and incite fear and upset among local people.

“Pubs and off-licences especially should take extra care on the day and several have already decided to close for the duration of the march or to refuse entry to marchers.”