BURNLEY and Pendle Anti-Nazi League say they want to go ahead with an anti-racist carnival in the town, despite the granting of a prohibition order banning it.

Home Secretary David Blunkett has granted the order to Burnley Council preventing public assemblies from August 31 to September 4 within a five mile radius of Towneley Park, Burnley.

The order is response to the Anti-Nazi league plan to organise a mass demonstration in Burnley on September 1.

The order will also apply to any demonstrations organised by other extremist groups.

The Anti-Nazi League say they were appalled by the racist attack on Shamraz Hussain at the Bands in the Park festival on Sunday.

It was attacks such as those on the Asian community that they were mobilising to stop. They were petitioning the Home Office to lift the ban on the carnival for 1st September, and we are also meeting with the council to discuss alternative dates.

A statement added: "ANL carnivals have succeeded in the past to bring communities together and unite the anti-racist majority who do not want to live in communities split by racial hatred.

"Furthermore there has never been any trouble at any of these events. Bands who had been approached about the carnival were very positive about the idea, as are people across the country who are concerned about the activities of the British National Party in the North West.

"We urge everybody in Burnley who wants the town to be a no go area for the Nazis to support the carnival. We are organising a mass leaflet drop for 1st September, meeting at Queens Park 11am."

Police Divisional Commander Chief Supt John Knowles said: "A mass demonstration of between 2,000 to 3000 people in Burnley would have the potential to attract others opposed to it.

"The risk of serious trouble in the town was considered to be very high which is why the joint request by the police and council for the prohibition order was made."

Stuart Caddy, leader of Burnley Council, said: "It is not the intention to stifle democratic debate but so soon after the recent troubles both the council and the police are concerned that a mass demonstration would attract counter activity and increase the risk of further trouble."