Plans for a motorcycle rally, which were cancelled by police last year over fears of violence, have moved a step closer.

Members of the Braintree Town Centre Strategy Group have arranged to meet with police on Friday to look into staging a motorcycle parade through the town centre as part of American Independence Day celebrations on July 4.

Police called a halt to a similar event last year after they gained information that it would be attended by warring biker gangs.

Representatives from the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) -- which has no connection with the two warring biker factions - will also be present at the meeting and the organisation is optimistic police will give the all clear.

Braintree representative Paul Reason said: "There had been problems early last year at other events which led to police cancelling the parade in the Summer. But there were no further difficulties and we have had good words from police."

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