Muslims in Bath have condemned plans for an Islamic protest march in Wootton Bassett and have urged the police to stop the event going ahead.

The Wiltshire Islamic Cultural Centre (WICC) has issued a statement distancing itself and partner centres in Bath and Swindon from the march organisers Islam4UK, which is linked to the extremist organisation Al-Muhajiroon.

Islam4UK has said 500 people plan to march through the streets of the Wiltshire market town, which has become world famous for the silent vigils it stages for service personnel whose bodies have been flown home to nearby RAF Lyneham.

The group says participants will be carrying symbolic coffins to honour the "real Afghan war dead" at the event, for which no date has yet been released.

But WICC secretary Wali Rahman, who used to work as the student community liaison co-ordinator in Bath, described the march as "irresponsible and irrational".

His group's statement said: "We, along with all other Muslim community groups in Wiltshire and the surrounding area, including Bath Islamic Centre and Swindon Thamesdown Islamic Association, unreservedly condemn this march and call on the organisers, Islam4UK to not go ahead with it in the interests of public safety and the Muslims they claim to represent as well as to respect the rights of the people of Wootton Bassett and Wiltshire.

"We will hold Anjum Choudhury (Islam4UK leader) and Al-Muhajiroon responsible for any backlash against any Muslim in Wiltshire or elsewhere as a result of their proposed irresponsible and irrational actions and any insecurity brought upon the majority peaceful Muslim population."

The Imam at Bath mosque and director of the Bath Islamic Society Sheikh Rashad Ahmad Azami said he was also fiercely opposed to any march.

He said: "Wootton Bassett has become, in the nation's eyes, a symbol of great mourning for our servicemen and servicewomen who gave their lives in the cause of their nation. The politics has nothing to do with it.

"We regret that Islam4UK group, who have been extremely provocative in the past, have planned to come and demonstrate in this town.

"In our opinion this march should be banned by the police, as all those coming to march will be outsiders in the area. We fear that it would be extremely detrimental to our efforts to maintain community cohesion work and inter-communal relationship.

"This group and their supporters are political opportunists who want to steal the limelight for their cause misusing their religion.

"We have faith in the wisdom and understanding of people in this area, many of whom know well that this kind of extremist group work on their own in isolation from their community and its welfare.

"The community does not stand on their side or support their cause. It is heart-breaking to see this group going on rampage at their will in the country."

Despite widespread criticism Mr Choudary has vowed to continue with the march and last night published an online letter to the families of fallen soldiers.

It said: "The procession in Wootton Bassett is an attempt to engage the British public's minds on the real reasons why their soldiers are returning home in body bags and the real cost of the war.

"The conflict in Afghanistan is not an 'honourable' defence of British values and a cause for the British to remain secure. Rather the presence of the US and UK forces in Afghanistan is the cause of instability in the region and a cause of insecurity for the British people back home.

"The parades, the speeches about soldiers doing their duty and the feeling of patriotism have obfuscated the reality of the conflict and the murderous crimes being committed by the occupiers and their agents."

However the WICC says Islam4UK does not represent the majority of Muslims and has asked the police to use their powers to ban the march.

Its statement continued: "The media will no doubt grossly over-react, as usual to such a protest, whether it is peaceful or otherwise, giving the impression that all Muslims follow this tiny minority of extremists.

"Therefore we are putting the record straight and letting the media and general public know that the vast majority of Muslims have nothing to do with this group who are upon the methodology of the deviant sect known as the Khawaarij.

"We desperately request Wiltshire Police to ban the proposed march in the interests of public order, public safety and community cohesion."

Wiltshire Police say that Islam4UK must inform them of any dates and times of a march for it to legally take place, but so far this has not happened.

A spokesman said: "If the march or procession is believed to be likely to result in serious disorder, disruption or damage, then the police can impose conditions upon the organiser.

"In exceptional circumstances, the police may apply to the local authority for an order prohibiting such a march.

"In these particular circumstances, Wiltshire Police will be liaising closely with the local community and our partner agencies. Furthermore, contact will be sought with the organisers at the earliest opportunity in order to determine the facts of the proposed march."

Wiltshire Council also said it had not been contacted by Islam4UK.

A spokesman said: “We understand this is a controversial issue and something that people in Wiltshire and Wootton Bassett in particular feel very strongly about.

“We are working very closely with Wiltshire Police, Wootton Bassett Town Council and Wiltshire Islamic Cultural Centre on this matter. As yet we understand that no application to stage a march by Islam 4 UK has been received by Wiltshire Police.

“We are looking at the options available to the police and the council in the event that a request is made for this proposed march to go ahead.”

North Wiltshire MP James Gray said he hoped the people of Wiltshire would not give the march the attention the organisers were hoping for.

He said: "Of course I disagree with what these people are saying and reportedly planning to do, but it is my view that the best antidote to it is to ignore it, treat it with disdain, contempt, or even mild humour.

"What these people are looking for is a reaction of outrage. We should not justify their foolishness by giving it to them."