Vicar joins anti-BNP campaign

| Friday, 21 July 2006 Source: Times & Star

A MARYPORT vicar has described as "shocking" attempts by the far-right British National Party to get established in the town.

The Rev Dr Kevin Ellis, Maryport's team vicar, called the BNP un-Christian and warned townsfolk that its supporters were not welcome in Maryport or its churches.

His statement will be printed in the latest parish newsletter.

He has vowed to fight the party's incursion into West Cumbrian politics and said that doing nothing was not an option.

He urged churches in the town to come together and sponsor a "cultural evening" to foster understanding between locals and Maryport's increasing immigrant population.

He also suggested working with local businesses to provide welcome leaflets to new foreign workers.

The BNP has formed an Allerdale branch, which met in a Maryport pub recently.

Its Cumbrian spokesmen claimed that support was growing and the party would field candidates at all future elections.

Anti-fascist campaigners and local politicians have told BNP activists they are not welcome and police warned landlords not to hold future meetings in their pubs.

Dr Ellis said the recent meeting was "one of the most shocking things to happen in Maryport recently."

He said: "There is no room for the BNP or its attitudes either in church or in our wonderful town."