A COUNCIL'S ruling party has been criticised for refusing to join an independent group set up to oppose the British National Party.

"They refused point-blank to join and we want to know why," said the leader of Hyndburn Labour group, Coun Jean Battle. "It makes you wonder, are they racist themselves?"

But the leader of Hyndburn Council and the borough's Conservative group, Coun Peter Britcliffe, said he was not racist and that it was wrong to join the group called Hyndburn Against Racism as it would only give credence to the BNP.

The group set up by Hyndburn and Rossendale Trades Council in the summer consists of residents, members of the church and unions, Hyndburn Council and Lancashire County councillors.

It dropped leaflets through doors in Rishton, Great Harwood and the ward of Peel after the BNP said it would stand in next year's local elections and posted leaflets at the time of May's district council elections.

Coun Battle said: "Myself and the other Labour councillors gave our support to the group because we feel this needs to be done.

"I would like to take the opportunity to ask the Conservatives to join the group and ask them publicly why they feel they don't want to."

Coun David Myles said: "The Conservatives' comments on this are that we are going to bury our heads in the sand because we think they are going to go away and that any publicity is good publicity for them.

"I think it's a naive way of thinking."

But Coun Britcliffe responded by saying: "The Tory group on this council is opposed to any form of racism.

"However, our view is that we should continue our own policies that involve all the people in the borough and not spend so much time on the BNP.

"We feel is it not wise to give credence to the materials distributed in Hyndburn and draw further attention to their aims.

"I see no reason for us to change this position.

"I really can't cope with people trying to score cheap political points on issues as important as this."

Phil Edwards, of the BNP, who claims to be a former Conservative party activist, said: "It is of supreme indifference to me.

"I couldn't care less what the Conservatives are doing but if they want to join us we would be pleased to accept them."

Former chief executive of Hyndburn Council, now Blackburn Diocese secretary, Michael Wedgeworth, said: "It does not surprise me. I can't say why but I have my thoughts.

"Any Christian person must be against racism and any campaign which demonstrates that has to be supported."

Trades Council secretary, Peter Billington, said: "It is up to them whether they want to join or not.

"But I know they are equally committed because they said as much in their letter to us."