BNP spreading political 'poison'

Cllr Paul Dendle spoke out after he received a brochure from the political party setting out its controversial views on racism.

A letter from BNP leader Nick Griffin with the document says more than 200,000 copies had been distributed to younger voters and councillors.

Entitled Racism Cuts Both Ways, it claims to show how the established political parties have ignored white working-class voters and middle class taxpayers.

The BNP has contested local elections around Bognor for the past 18 months. It has gained some support but never enough to threaten the electoral success of the other parties.

Cllr Dendle said the BNP's divisive message contrasted with the positive approach of Arun District Council's new strategy to bring cohesion to the community.

"It's good we have got this document. It sets out what we are about and fights this type of poison from the BNP," he said.

Cllr Dendle, who is in charge of Arun District Council's finance and central services, was among the council's cabinet members who agreed on Monday the authority should sign up to the cohesion strategy.

The councillors also decided to become involved in hosting an event aimed at engaging local communities in the development of a British statement of values.

Cllr Dendle said people wanted a society in which communities worked together and were an asset to each other.

The strategy sets out the challenges which have to be faced for it to be a success.

These include a low-wage and low-skilled jobs market and a decline in those who believe people of different backgrounds get on with each other to put Arun in the bottom quarter of districts in England for community integration and tension.

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