NURSERY nurse Katrina Lofthouse was so impressed with the way Burnley council marked the muslim Eid Festival, she called for a repeat performance for Christians in the town.

Council chiefs had draped a banner across the town hall to celebrate the Asian equivalent of Christmas.

So Roman Catholic Mrs Lofthouse wrote to council chiefs calling on them to agree to put up an Easter greeting - the main religious festival of the year, she says.

And she and her husband, Ian, got Liberal Democrat leader, Coun Gordon Birtwistle to raise the matter at a full meeting of the council.

But their hopes were dashed when council leaders gave a point blank NO to the request.

And Mr Lofthouse says he is particularly angry over the refusal by leading members of the ruling Labour group on the council to even reply to their letters on the issue. Laboratory technician, Mr Lofthouse said: "We have nothing whatever against the muslim community nor do we object to their celebration.

"But Easter is our main religious festival and we believe it should also be marked by the town hall."

In a letter to Mrs Lofthouse, town hall equal opportunities officer, Lesley Giddins, says the council did not intend to generally increase its involvement in religious festivals "as it would not be appropriate for us to do do."

She said the Eid banner was aimed at increasing understanding between the different cultural groups in the town, part of the anti-racism work of the council.

She adds that the council already set aside large amounts of money to support Christmas celebrations.

Said Mr Lofthouse: "All the council do at Christmas is put up Christmas trees, lights and run a fun fair - they do not celebrate the religious aspect of Christmas."

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