A LIBERAL Democrat leader today sent out a message to supporters in a bid to keep the British National Party from winning seats in Burnley -- VOTE LABOUR!

The move is designed to minimise the chances of the British National Party, which is contesting the Lowerhouse and Trinity wards, from gaining a foothold on Burnley Borough Council.

The leader of the Liberal Democrats Roger Frost said: "Quite simply, a vote for the BNP is a vote against Burnley.

"Our town will be tainted if the neo-Nazi BNP wins a seat on the council and the reputation of Burnley will suffer enormously."

Mr Frost claimed that the knock-on effect of having a BNP council representative would have an impact on jobs and prosperity and large employers would be put off investing in the town.

He added: "We have to take this unusual action to make sure the BNP are stopped at all costs."

The Liberal Democrats have not fielded candidates in either ward, being contested on Thursday, and want voters to switch their allegiance to Labour. Instead they are concentrating their efforts on winning the Rosehill by-election on November 29, caused by the resignation of independent councillor Harry Brooks, which they believe they have a better chance of winning.

"The Liberal Democrats are working in partnership with Labour on the executive of Burnley Council, so this move is a logical extension of the partnership', added Mr Frost.

The move has been backed by the leader of Burnley Borough Council and Labour member, Stuart Caddy.

Mr Caddy said: "I think it is hugely important that the Liberal Democrats have put aside political differences to unite us against the menace of the BNP.

"We are best placed to see off the BNP in Lowerhouse and Trinity and I think Coun Frost is to be congratulated for his firm leadership in putting the well being of the town ahead of party political considerations."

The branch co-ordinator for the BNP in Burnley Steve Smith said: "If our political opponents had faith in their own ideas and policies and the people supported them they would not need to attack the British National Party in the way they do.

"It simply shows how redundant they and their policies are.

"As far as the gimmick of his (Roger Frost) Liberal Democrat colleagues and Labour joining forces against us shows how desperate they are keeping the BNP from winning."

Mr Smith said that the election was "wide open", but would not make a prediction on how his party would fare simply saying that it could go either way. He also claimed that his party had drawn a "positive" response while campaigning.

The elections were called after Labour's Trinity councillor Martin Winder resigned his position citing "work commitments" as the reason and Sam Holgate, the Lowerhouse Independent representative, stood down over difficulties with his disability benefits.

The Trinity ward is being contested by Tess McMahon (Socialist Alliance), Elizabeth Monk (Labour), Mark Terrell (BNP) and Arthur Wilkinson (Independent). Lowerhouse is being contested by Pauline Farrell (Socialist Alliance), Carol Hughes (BNP) and Joseph Tierney (Labour).