THE media spotlight has been focusing on Burnley -- even more so since French National Front Leader Jean-Marie Le Pen's first round success in the presidential race across the channel.

Condemnation of the BNP's tactics, why they are standing in Burnley and warnings about what will happen if they get a foothold in the town has come from all quarters including, councillors and MPs -- and even Vera Duckworth!

But they still have the ability to get young, white men -- a demographic which rarely bothers to vote -- out to the polling stations. Their General Election candidate polled 11 per cent of the vote last year.

This has prompted the mainstream political groups to work even harder to get their supporters out and voting. A display of voter apathy could, it is feared, give the BNP access to Burnley's council chamber.

Even the prime minister has had his say.

In Lancashire last week, Tony Blair said he would rather have people vote for mainstream parties like the Tories than BNP.

He said: "It is important people vote for the real issues. There are big differences between the main political parties. I think it is very important people turn out and vote and certainly do not vote for the BNP who do not offer solutions to any of the issues."

Labour spin doctor Alistair Campbell, a Burnley FC fan, added: "They have targeted Burnley which is very, very sad for Burnley.

"I really do hope that people in Burnley realise the damage that would be done to Burnley if they wake up next Friday and find that all people are talking about is the fact that Burnley has elected BNP councillors."

And Conservative leader Iain Duncan-Smith said: "They have had seats on councils in London before now. They were booted out by voters after proving they had no solutions."

Asian community leader Shahid Malik added: "If the BNP gains seats, Burnley will become a magnet for the far right.

"It will have a devastating effect on the local economy."

Even local clergymen have entered the debate. A letter from the Rev John Goddard, the Bishop of Burnley, Rev Dr Peter Pike, the Area Dean of Burnley, and the Rev Keith Richardson, Methodist Superintendent of Burnley, read: "Many people of goodwill are working hard for a peaceful and prosperous future in Burnley.

"We would respectfully request that people not vote for any party, including the BNP, which seeks to cause further division and bitterness in our town.

"This simple request stems from our belief in both Christ's servant presence and authority in human society. We make it fully appreciating the growing dialogue between Christians and Muslims in Burnley."

And there have even been claims from politicians and residents in Northern Ireland that Burnley could end up with the same problems as them if racial prejudice gains political status.

The BNP pray particularly on the growing feeling among some sections of the community that more grant money goes into Asian areas than other parts of the borough.

It is a claim the council, and the Government which dishes out most of the money denies.

Burnley is one of several local councils which is holding all-out elections this year as a result of boundary shake-ups.

A total of 103 names have been put forward for seats in 15 wards.

Labour are putting up candidates in all the wards, the Lib Dems in nine, The Socialist alliance in three and the Conservatives in just five.

There are 10 wards with independent candidates as well.

The Local Government Commission reduced the number of wards in Burnley from 18 to 15, prompting the all out elections -- the first for 11 years.

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