THE council has further cemented links with its ethnic minority employees by launching a special support group.

The aim is to continue to develop Blackburn with Darwen Council's equal opportunities policies by seeking contributions from the people who are best qualified to give advice - the employees themselves.

Now the council is to launch the Ethnic Minority Support Group with a special meeting at Blackburn Town Hall on Tuesday, June 2.

Support group chairman Ashok Chudasama said: "The overall aim of the EMSG is to actively promote and support equality of opportunity for ethnic minority employees within the council.

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

Phil Watson, the council's chief executive, said: "I am delighted that the EMSG has been formed and is growing in membership.

"The group has my full support as it provides an ideal forum for us to work with each other to further the aims of the council's equal opportunities policy and for minority employees to meet and socialise.

"I encourage every ethnic minority employee to consider joining the group and I wish it every success."

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