A Restore Britain party meeting, reportedly due to take place in Newton Abbot, has been cancelled after a backlash from local residents.

The Central Devon branch of the far right party founded by Rupert Lowe is believed to have booked a function room at Newton Abbot racecourse for a gathering of its Devon members on Saturday, November 14.

But after several local residents contacted the venue to voice concerns, the racecourse’s Chief Executive said the event ‘would not be proceeding’.

News of the gathering emerged after Central Devon Restore Britain posted on Facebook earlier this week, advertising ‘our very first whole Devon meeting’. The post didn’t mention the venue, but said members would receive invitations via email giving the details.

The post said: “We have speakers coming from Head Office, as well as Roger Tarrant, our parliamentary candidate for Camborne and Redruth.

“You can meet the Devon Organisers and this is an opportunity to meet and socialise with other members from Restore Devon. There will be a well stocked bar available at the event!”

After receiving information indicating that the meeting was to take place at Newton Abbot racecourse, the local group Community Solidarity Devon contacted the racecourse to object, along with several members of local Stand Up to Racism groups.

One of the emails sent to the venue said: “As a local resident I'm really disappointed that you are hosting an organisation which stokes fear and violence.

“Restore empowers the people who attack hotels where migrants are housed. Those people have often come from war zones and are seeking safety in Devon and other parts of the UK. Gangs of balaclava-wearing men all dressed in black took part in violent protests in Portsmouth and Dover recently. British-born people who aren't white have been terrorised by their activities.

“Restore acts as a catalyst to link and organise individuals who spread hatred against non-white people and people who happen to hold certain faiths … By hosting Restore, the Racecourse is normalising and supporting such anti-social behaviours in Devon. The Racecourse is helping to fan the flames of hatred and violence in Devon.”

In an emailed response, sent on Tuesday (November 10), the Chief Executive of Newton Abbot Racecourse, John Baker, said: “We do not comment on private individual bookings here at the racecourse.

“However, just to update you that this event will not be proceeding at Newton Abbot Racecourse.

“This racecourse is for the local community and significantly supports its local community, which is the very essence of the venue.”

Following the update from the racecourse, Community Solidarity South Devon said:

‘Community Solidarity Devon had heard disturbing rumours that Restore, a far right political party with proven links to extremist groups such as Patriots Platform and other similarly unpleasant organisations, would be holding an event at Newton Abbot racecourse this Saturday.

“We, along with other anti racist organisations and individuals, wrote to the racecourse to question the decision to allow such an event on their premises. Whether the rumours were correct or not the racecourse has confirmed “……that this event will not be proceeding at Newton Abbot Racecourse.

“This racecourse is for the local community.”

“We would like to thank everyone who wrote to object, it is so important that we challenge the far right narrative where and whenever we witness it.

“We firmly believe that for our communities to thrive we need strong values of tolerance and understanding, not division.”

The Central Devon branch of Restore Britain has been contacted for comment.