THE timely warning from the Clitheroe Methodist Minister concerning the British National Party (LET, February 4) raises an important issue which is being neglected in the national scene -- the distinction between refugees and asylum-seekers.

Refugees have been coming to the UK for generations, for two main reasons -- they wished to develop professional skills or they hoped to build new, safer and happier lives in a tolerant country, which they believed would accept them if they had something to offer in the shape of ordinary everyday work. Was there anything wrong in that?

In addition, critics appear to be unaware, or deliberately choose to ignore, the fact that in our area, after World War Two, many men and woman from the Asiatic sub-continent were encouraged to come to East Lancashire to help rectify an acute labour shortage. When the cotton industry finally fizzled out, unsurprisingly, they remained in the country to bring up families and their grandchildren are now with us.

For instance, we can see today smart, courteous, efficient Indian young women in banks, opticians, doctors and dentists surgeries and at supermarket tills. Surely, they are not liabilities but assets.

Asylum-seekers have a completely different background because of their escape from brutal dictatorships, where even mild protest can be met with the most hideous cruelty. It is only natural that they will endeavour to flee.

Unfortunately, it is the reverse of straightforward to discover a nation willing to listen to their genuine appalling woes. Australia and several prosperous states of North West Europe do not shine as beacons of welcome. I trust we will do better.

The Rev Richard Atkinson clearly knows the dangers of complacency, but BNP claims of outstanding triumphs need taking with a pinch of salt. For instance, in last November's Blackburn Council by-election, its candidates pulled between a quarter and a third of the total votes cast, not exactly a runaway victory!

DONALD JEPSON, Bracken Close, Holly Tree Village.