Mid Wales-based former BNP leader Nick Griffin was among a group of 50 protestors who gathered to protect a statue of Robert Clive in Shrewsbury this weekend.

Mr Griffin, who lives near Welshpool, turned out with others in the Shropshire town to gather around the statue amid calls for it to be removed.

It comes as petitions calling for the removal of the sculpture in the wake of Black Lives Matters protests around the country passed the 20,000 mark.

But the leader of Shropshire Council – and former mayor of Shrewsbury – Peter Nutting said he believed the statue should stay.

Critics say Clive, a former Shrewsbury MP and mayor, should no longer be commemorated in such a prominent position due to his his part in establishing British colonial control of India and large parts of south east Asia, amassing a huge personal fortune through corruption and theft of the region’s treasures.

Mr Nutting said: “As the leader of Shropshire Council and following careful consideration of arguments for and against its removal, I now believe that the statue of Robert Clive in The Square in Shrewsbury should remain in place.

“Clive is clearly a notable figure in Shrewsbury’s and Shropshire’s history.

“Therefore I don’t wish to be seen to be erasing him from the history books, but I do think there’s a good case for educating people about his life and enabling them to form their own opinions about his deeds or misdeeds.

“Some have suggested that an interpretation panel should be put in place alongside the statue to enable people to learn more about Robert Clive and his life and I think this is something we should seriously consider.”

Black Lives Matter protests have been held across the country in recent weeks, among them events in Knighton, Machynlleth, Newtown and Welshpool.

David Parton, who started one of the two petitions for the statue to be removed, said Clive should be moved to Shrewsbury Museum and his prominent position be taken up by someone more worthy of celebration.

“I am heartened Shropshire Council has listened to the people, and is taking their concerns about Clive’s position in pride of place in Shrewsbury seriously."

Last week the National Trust said it is "acutely aware" of the way it represents history, in reference to its own collection of Clive's artefacts in the Clive Gallery at Powis Castle near Welshpool.