Councillors and police have condemned the British National Party for playing on people's fears over the recent bombings in London after a Chorley village was targeted in a recruitment campaign.

Leaflets have been posted to hundreds of properties in Astley Village which contain references to the July 7 bombings in London under the headline 'Don't get mad, get even.'

The leaflets were also left under car windscreen wipers and at various other locations in the village.

Councillors who represent the village were united in condemning the material.

Conservative councillor Mark Perks (below) said: "It is disgusting that they are playing on people's fears over the bombings in this way.

"They have tried before in Chorley and failed to make any impact on the general public who have seen them for what they are.

"Choosing Astley Village will equally be unproductive. Residents I have spoken to have all been quite dismissive of its contents. Our parish council is very pro-active in involving and informing the local community, which sees no place whatsoever with the politics the BNP brings to a community."

Labour's Laura Lennox (above) said: "I find both the material in the leaflet and its method of distribution offensive. The views expressed have no place in a civilised democracy"

A police spokesperson said: "A number of properties within the Astley Village area received a mailshot with leaflets from the BNP referring to recent events in London.

"Local police have contacted key stakeholders in the area and the Muslim community to make them aware and provide reassurance."

A spokesman for the BNP said Astley Village was just one of a number of areas in Lancashire which was part of their ongoing recruitment campaign.