BURNLEY Council has supported a motion by the BNP calling for supporters of all political parties to be allowed the freedom of speech to express that support.

But the wording of the motion was changed after members from the Labour, Liberal Democrat and Conservative groups objected to the party calling for these rights "in the interests of community cohesion."

The motion was moved by BNP councillor Pat Thompson at a meeting of the full council last night. It was sparked by the arrest of a teenager from Mansfield High School for inciting racial hatred after he stuck a BNP sign on a bus window. Last week, the Crown Prosecution Service told the police the boy, who has not been named, would not face charges.

Coun Thompson said: "This borough's slogan - Burnley, where everyone counts - should be 'Burnley, where everyone counts, except those who vote BNP'.

"There are councillors in this chamber who decide who they will and won't deal with - what sort of cohesion is that? You cannot pontificate to the voters about cohesion when you don't do it in here. Anyone who votes BNP is discriminated against - if we don't agree with what the Labour party says we are racists and bigots."

Leader of the council, Coun Stuart Caddy, moved that the wording of the motion be changed to read: "This council supports the right of all its citizens to show support for a legitimate political party in any lawful and legitimate manner and urges all the citizens to use their right to vote."

But he added: "It is disgraceful they the BNP have put the words community cohesion in front of a resolution like this. It is unfortunate for the all the people who have worked hard for the last two and a half years to bring about cohesion in our community.

"Yes, people do have the right to vote democratically for any legitimate political party, but don't come into the chamber saying that you agree with community cohesion when you have policies that are divisive against members of the community in Burnley."

He was supported by Tory leader, Coun Peter Doyle, who said: "It is our belief that in this great democracy of ours people have the right to vote and support any legally constituted political party. I also believe that all such political parties should act in a responsible manner and ensure that their members and supporters do likewise."