THE Burnley task force expressed concern at the level of support for the British National Party in the town.

The committee seemed perplexed that so many people could support a political party that consistently gets such a negative press in the local and national media.

The task force report talked of "people being under the influence of the BNP," implying that these people might not have all their faculties, or that the party had some sort of hold over them.

But the BNP have not cast any spells. They have only promised to stop any further immigration into Britain. It is that one simple policy that attracts supporters to their cause, because it is a policy that no other political party offers.

Despite Home Secretary David Blunkett's brave words this week, he offers no hope that this ever-growing flow of immigrants and asylum seekers into Britain -- 200,000 last year alone -- can be stopped. That is what worries people.

One has only to look at the change in ethnic make-up of Nelson over the last ten years to see why residents in Burnley are fearful for what the future might hold.

Isn't it strange that none of the three main parties shares this concern? It almost appears that these establishment politicians are themselves under the influence, but this time of the ethnic minorities.

Youths from all of Burnley's ethnic minorities rioted in June, causing extensive damage at a very high cost to the town. But there is no condemnation of them in the task force report.

Apparently, the fact that there was a high BNP vote in Burnley at the general election provides them with an adequate excuse for rioting to take place.

Racial tension will continue in Burnley as long as the ethnic minorities keep growing and local politicians continue to ignore the fears of the white population.

In May, residents will have another chance to voice their concerns at the polling booths.

There will be a clear choice on offer between the BNP and their policy of stopping immigration, and the other parties with their policy of more enforced integration with an ever-growing ethnic community.

MARTIN WINGFIELD, Editor, burnley.bravepages.com website