CONTROVERSIAL comic Bernard Manning has been banned from Burnley, the town which became the BNP capital of Britain in local elections.

Manning has recently appeared in Blackburn and Haslingden and was due to appear at the town's Mechanics Theatre on Saturday, October 11.

But Town Hall chiefs said his show was "not in keeping" with council policies.

Bernard, who has prompted allegations of racism because of the nature of his act, today said it would be Burnley's loss if he did not come to the town.

The right wing BNP now has eight councillors on Burnley Council after winning six new seats last Thursday, although the decision to axe Manning was made before polling day.

Burnley Council's director of community and leisure services Mick Cartledge said: "We have made a decision that we do not wish to host an appearance by Mr Manning as part of his current tour.

"This is on the grounds that we feel the nature of his act is not in keeping with the council's commitment to promoting and treating people with respect."

Speaking from his Manchester home Bernard said: "I didn't even know I was supposed to be coming to Burnley but if they don't want me, then it's Burnley's loss."

Bernard's agent Chris Graham said they would consider taking legal action against the council. He said: "As far as I knew it was still going ahead.

"No-one told me anything different.

"If someone wants to put the kybosh on it they can just pay us and we won't go, otherwise we will think about going to court.

"It should be up to the people of Burnley. If he never pulled an audience I would agree with them, but he fills every place he goes.

"It is the ratepayers of Burnley who pay the councillors. It is supposed to be a democratic country. People are allowed to see what they want -- and they should be allowed to.

"Why should a couple of people connected to the council try to tell the ratepayers of Burnley, what to watch? He's never been in trouble with the police, he's brought his son up and he's got grandchildren. He is a role model for a lot of other people.

"He's played gigs all over the world and has just got back from India. He went down a storm there."

Bernard recently played to a packed audience at Haslingden Cricket Club. Graham Knowles, vice captain of the club, said: "We had an absolutely fantastic night and we raised a lot of money for the club.

"The only complaint we got was from one man who fell asleep at home and missed the show. We had 250 people in and sold out within five minutes.

"We would have him back again any time, no doubt about it."