Community unites to condemn BNP's triple election bid for town

Community leaders and the town's MP have united to condemn far-right party the BNP as it targets Halesowen for the first time in next month's local elections.

The extremist party has put forward three candidates - in Belle Vale, Halesowen North and Halesowen South - as it fights for a record number of seats across the UK.

Halesowen and Rowley Regis MP Sylvia Heal led a chorus of criticism labelling the BNP "right wing and racist".

Sylvia said: "It's still an extreme right party. There should be no place for such a party in Halesowen.

"I hope the electorate in Halesowen will not legitimise such a right wing party.

"Their policies are based on fears not realities.

"They use fear and prejudice - there's no scope for them in today's Britain and I regret very much they are standing."

Mohammad Dar, chairman of Halesowen Asian Elders' Association, appealed for people to vote for alternative candidates to stop the BNP threat.

He said: "The best thing is to come out and vote against them - it's no good staying at home. It's the only way to face them.

"What they stand for is not what the majority of British people are about.

"It's a racist party - they are dividing rather than uniting society."

Abdul Alnamari of Halesowen and Dudley Yemini Association, said: "It seems like they might be back on the rise - the far extreme. It's worrying. We want to live in harmony with the white community."

Simon Darby, regional organiser for the BNP, said it was canvassing on issues including migrant workers.

He said the party wanted to fight for Halesowen seats for some time but this year three suitable candidates came forward.

Tony Gill will stand for the BNP in Halesowen North where former councillor Karen Shakespeare will be fighting to be re-elected for the Tory party.

BNP hopeful Pete Morris will contest the Halesowen South ward where former councillor Alan Taylor will be fighting to regain his seat for the Conservative party. In Belle Vale the BNP is fronting David Griffiths who will be fighting against former councillor Bob James, also a Tory.

Karen Shakespeare said: "The BNP talk local but hide behind racist views.

"I don't think that's what the majority of people stand for."

Respect candidate Richard Alonzo, standing in the Belle Vale ward, said: "I hope nobody will be foolish enough to vote for a party whose whole philosophy is based on racism and intolerance."