Fascists Target Blackpool

THE British National Party is to put forward a record number of candidates in Blackpool's local elections, it emerged today.

Seven BNP candidates – including a former school governor and a married couple – are to stand in May's local elections in Blackpool.

James Clayton – who is just 18 – will also fight for a seat in Cleveleys. The BNP has never put forward more than one candidate in Blackpool before. Roy Goodwin, fighting for power in Highfield Ward, South Shore, told The Gazette: "We are getting stronger in Blackpool and the other parties know it. People are saying 'What is happening to our country?' and they see it right here on their doorstep in Blackpool. English people are tolerant people but if you rub their noses in the dirt, they will get up like a bulldog and bite you."

Four of the BNP candidates will fight for seats in the north of Blackpool, while three will stand in wards in southern Blackpool.

Mr Goodwin refused to reveal some of the seats his colleagues would fight for in fear of a "dirty tricks" campaign by opponents. Taxi driver Irene Cain battles for power in Hawes Side while Susan Kelly – a former Norbreck Primary School governor – is the candidate for Bispham.Mr Goodwin – who got 1,113 votes in the 2005 General Election when campaigning to become the MP for Blackpool South – said around 200,000 BNP campaign leaflets would be delivered to homes on the Fylde coast in the run up to the local election in May.

He said his party would focus on crime, drugs and immigration: "We used to have 10 or 15 people come to our meetings. Now it's 70. You can't put a cigarette paper between the policies of the other parties because they are no different. The other councillors have had their own way for a long time and they want to keep it that way. Our candidates are hard-working family people – not two-headed monsters."

But Eddie Collett, deputy leader of Blackpool Council, said: "The BNP tries to cloak themselves with respectability at election times but everyone knows what they stand for and are linked with the Nazi party of the past. Any right-minded person would not vote for extremism."

Gordon Marsden, MP for Blackpool South, said: "The BNP tried in the General Election and attracted a derisory selection of votes."Any votes for the BNP are a sad reflection of their extremist policies. I trust the people of Blackpool will give them the critical scrutiny they deserve and show them the door."

Tory councillor Henry Mitchell, whose seat in Bispham will be contested by BNP candidate Susan Kelly, said: "Anybody is entitled to stand if they wish. "I always keep an open mind about the BNP and I will take nothing for granted. It's up to the voters." And Tory councillor Lily Henderson, for Highfield, said: "I don't think their leafleting will make much difference. "We live in a democratic country but I do not feel the people of Blackpool will support them.

"The BNP held its annual party conference at the New Kimberley Hotel on New South Promenade in November under a veil of secrecy. Anti-fascist protesters picketed outside the hotel as around 250 BNP members attended the conference but the event passed off peacefully.

Ketlan Ossowski, of Unite Against Fascism, was concerned by the number of BNP candidates in Blackpool. He said: "We are aware the BNP has a strong following on the Fylde – but this is disturbing."

Preston Today