BLACKBURN'S British National Party councillor has quit the party -- but vowed to continue backing far right policies as an independent.

Robin Evans, who represents Blackburn's Mill Hill ward, announced yesterday he was leaving because of "organisational differences."

The leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, Sir Bill Taylor, said the move removed the "stigma of having a far right councillor from the borough" but said "questions about the decision remain unanswered."

Dr Phil Edwards, a national BNP spokesman denied there had been any rift and added: "I think he has just got too many business commitments. It is just one of those things but we keep moving forward and we are in a far better shape than we have ever been."

Coun Evans said: "I want to announce my resignation from the British National Party and have already written to the BNP to make them aware of my decision.

"I am not resigning my seat on the council and will continue as an independent borough councillor, representing Mill Hill.

"My differences with the BNP are based on organisation rather than policy."

Blackburn with Darwen Council chief executive, Phil Watson, confirmed: "Coun Evans has informed us that he has resigned as a member of the British National Party. He will continue to operate as an independent councillor for the Mill Hill ward.

"Councillors are elected as individuals, not as members of political parties, and he is not required to resign his seat. His decision does not affect the overall balance of the council."

Coun Evans' departure from the BNP is the latest in a string of events that have marked his time in office. Since he won the seat after a by-election in the Mill Hill ward last November, police have introduced safety measures to protect him.

A panic alarm was installed at his home in Darwen after he claimed to be the victim of a racially motivated attack.

Coun Evans told police an Asian man attempted to goad him into a fight in Bolton Road in July. A man was interviewed but no charges were brought.

In August his car, parked outside his home was attacked by vandals who smashed his front windscreen with a brick.

All of his mail is opened by council officers after concerns were expressed that he could be targeted.

And police attend meetings of the full council to ensure there are no bust-ups between BNP supporters and opponents.

Paul Browne, leader of the Liberal Democrat group, said: "I think he has done the right thing and it is good for the borough."

Conservative leader, Coun Colin Rigby, said: "I would be glad to get rid of the BNP from the borough, but I think, essentially, it is a good thing he's resigned from his party."

Coun Evans's departure followed the resignation of far right councillor Luke Smith in Burnley, where the BNP did have seven councillors following the May elections.