A SUPPORT group for ethnic minority workers is being set up in a bid to improve race relations at Blackburn with Darwen Council.

The council has already launched its own equal opportunities policy, but town hall bosses want ethnic minority staff to have a say in policies.

Chief executive Phil Watson, newly-installed mayor Florence Oldfield and councillors will be at the launch on June 2.

One of the council's training officers, Ashok Chudasama, has been appointed chairman of the support group.

He said: "The overall aim is to actively promote and support equality of opportunity for ethnic minority employees with the council.

"The group will provide a platform and network which could act as a bridge building component between the council and its employees."

Chief executive Phil Watson added: "I encourage every ethnic minority employee to consider joining the EMSG and I wish the group every success."

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