COMMUNITIES must redouble their efforts if they are to achieve racial harmony following the election of three BNP councillors, a Bishop warned today.

The Bishop of Burnley, the Rt Rev John Goddard, was one of the members of the Burnley Task Force set up to investigate the cause of last summer's riots between Asians and whites.

Today he said that the recommendations implemented since the report must not be undermined by Thursday night's shock election results.

He said: "Obviously I am disappointed and we will have to work a lot harder and with greater endeavour to benefit the communities in Burnley.

"Regardless of culture, race or background, people must continue working together."

The BNP gained seats in the Cliviger with Worsthorne ward, the Rosegrove with Lowerhouse ward and, after five recounts, the Gannow ward. It was the first time the BNP has won seats in the UK in nine years.

Labour peer Lord Tony Clarke, chairman of the Task Force, said the result "besmirched the good name of Burnley" and the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce warned it could have a negative effect on the town's economy.

Public service union Unison said it was an "appalling blip" and was taking legal action to ensure its members did not have to work with BNP members.

After the election Burnley Council leader Stuart Caddy said he would not work with a "fascist organisation" calling it a disaster.

David Edwards, a civil engineer, who won the Cliviger with Worsthorne ward for the BNP, broke his silence since his election and thanked his voters for a "a vote of confidence".

He added: "I want to make a stand on law and order and make sure that there is a fairer deal for all sections of society.

"People need to take responsibility for their actions and I would like to see harsher punishments for people who commit crimes."

Lord Clarke warned the BNP the people of Burnley would oust them at the first opportunity while the Rt Rev Goddard defended the voters.

He said: "I am convinced that the people of those wards where the BNP were successful, are not themselves racist but have been encouraged to vote for the BNP through local issues and perhaps not seen the dangers of the divisive racist issues that the party fuels." Lord Clarke added: "I am saddened by what has besmirched the good name of Burnley. Saddened, but not altogether surprised.

"The insidious and disgraceful campaign of prejudice and hate waged by the far right in Burnley has gone on for a long time, long before the council election that took place. I have no doubt that they will be removed at the first opportunity."

Michael Damms, chief executive of the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, said: "Clearly the results show that on a national level, Burnley is different, which can have a negative interpretation. Investors like to go to places where they are confident and comfortable and the fact that Burnley shows exceptions is not helpful.

"The Commerce is interested in asking all parties -- including the BNP -- what they will do about the economic growth of Burnley and how they will make the town attractive to investors."