THE British National Party's eight councillors will be called upon to put their policies to the test when they take their seats at this week's full council meeting.

Senior Labour councillor Peter Kenyon will put forward a motion calling for the BNP members to join in council debate and say whether they agree with the council's vision for Burnley.

The far-right party, which is the second largest party on the council along with the Liberal Democrats, has been criticised by councillors for failing to take part in debates in the council chamber.

Labour's Coun Kenyon will also call on the Liberals to respond to the motion.

Coun Kenyon said: "The motion will move that this council recognises that the British National Party is one of the two largest opposition parties on the council and has the responsibility to put their policies for this council to the test of debate; to say whether they agree or disagree with this council's five strategic objectives and our vision and values and if they disagree, to say why and put forward alternatives which are consistent with the law of this land and the code of conduct for councillors.

"It equally calls on the Liberal Democrats to do likewise."

BNP councillor Len Starr, of Hapton with Park ward, said: "We will certainly be responding to the motion, although exactly what form that response will take has yet to be decided."

Liberal Democrat leader Gordon Birtwistle, of Coal Clough with Deerplay ward, said: "We will be making a response. I don't want to reveal it until the night of the debate."