Carlisle's reputation for race-hate crimes is deterring ethnic minority groups from setting up home in the county, says a Bangladeshi community representative.

Abdul Harid spoke out as criminal justice chiefs in Cumbria unveiled plans for a trailblazing conference on hate crimes, in which offenders are motivated by the victim's race, religion, or sexual orientation.

A recent Government report showed Bangladeshi and Pakistani people are more likely than any other ethnic minority to fall victim to racial crime.

Mr Harid, 35, said most of Carlisle's 200 or so Bangladeshi residents have experienced racial abuse.

Those living in Botchergate are particularly at risk, said the restaurateur who is secretary of Cumbria's Bangladeshi Community Association.

He added, "We have a chap who lives in Brook Street and he gets abuse often. People from ethnic minorities are reluctant to come to Carlisle to settle down or start up a business, given the negative side.

"People here are generally welcoming, but there are those who like to spoil it. Racist incidents are giving a negative image to Carlisle."