Norfolk Police has received confirmation of the timings and routes for two demonstrations which are due to take place in Norwich city centre this weekend.

The English Defence League (EDL) and its opposing 'We Are Norwich' group are both staging marches on Saturday, November 10.

The counter protesters will gather at Chapelfield Gardens at 11am before marching at 12.30pm to City Hall via Theatre Street, Brigg Street and Hay Hill. They will have speeches at approximately 1pm before dispersing.

At 12.45pm the EDL group will gather at Castle Gardens before also marching to City Hall at 1pm, via Castle Meadow, Opie Street, Bedford Street, Exchange Street and Gaol Hill. There they will have speeches at approximately 1.30pm before dispersing.

Norwich District Commander, Supt Paul Sanford, said: 'Norfolk Constabulary is continuing to liaise with both groups of protesters, businesses and the community ahead of the weekend. Our primary aims remain to facilitate peaceful, legal protests; to support business as usual for those not involved with the demonstrations; and to ensure the safety of everyone in Norwich city centre.

'The organisers of both protests have been sharing their plans with us so we can provide an appropriate level of policing on the day, and address any concerns raised to us by the community. Both groups have insisted they want to stage a peaceful event and have actively encouraged their members not to be provoked into criminal action.

'We will have an increased, visible policing presence in the city centre on Saturday to offer information and reassurance and deal with any incidents of disorder or anti-social behaviour should they occur.'

Anyone with any concerns or queries relating to the policing operation can email Supt Paul Sanford at communications@norfolk.pnn.police.uk. Up-to-date information can also be found at www.norfolk.police.uk/protest.

Anyone who wishes to receive regular updates from the police during the day can follow @NorfolkPolice or #norwichprotest on Twitter or register for a free text service on Police Direct. To subscribe text the word NORFOLK to 66101 (stand message rates apply) or to register in full, visit the Police Direct page at www.norfolk.police.uk and tick the 'Norwich protest' option.

Details of temporary road closures on the day can be found at www.norwich.gov.uk

For more on the planned protests, and to see maps of the routes, see tomorrow's paper.