RIBBLE Valley MP Nigel Evans has spoken out against a BNP festival planned for the area and urged the police to ban it.

He is calling for the extreme right-wing party to pull out of the event on August 17 and 18.

He says the 'Red, White and Blue' festival will cause excessive traffic because of a vintage engine rally in an adjacent field.

He also fears for public safety because of possible clashes with anti-BNP marchers. The Anti-Nazi League says it will demonstrate at the BNP festival.

John Barnes, of Dockber Laithe Farm, Sawley, struck deals with the BNP and Ribble Valley Vintage Club to hire fields in Gisburn Road opposite Rose County Foods. The Vintage Club has moved to a field 500 yards away on the opposite side of the road after advice from the police and council. But its chairman does not think this will solve traffic and public order problems.

The BNP has said the festival is a day out for invited guests and members.

Mr Evans said that the BNP was not welcome and there was no connection between the political right-wing extremists and the rural Ribble Valley.

He said: "I have written to Lancashire's Chief Constable Paul Stephenson and John Denham MP at the Home Office, explaining these concerns, and asking them to ban the BNP rally on the grounds of public safety and excessive traffic. It is completely unacceptable. The BNP is not welcome and should pull out."

Tony Bannister, landlord of Brown Cow Inn, Moor Lane, Clitheroe, said: "I'm not bothered really so long as there's no trouble but that goes for any festival."

Elona Lord, landlady of the Buck pub, Lowergate, Clitheroe, had no fears for the event and would welcome it. She said: "Anything that brings money to the area is a good idea."

A police spokesperson said: "We wouldn't want to get involved with this type of debate. If Nigel Evans has written to the Chief Constable he will get a reply."

John Timson, head of legal services for Ribble Valley Council, said: "Mr Evans didn't tell us his views but as far as we know the festival is still going ahead."