BNP pulls out of Barrow

| Friday, 14 May 2004 Source: North-West Evening Mail

FURNESS anti-fascist campaigners were today claiming a victory for democracy after a no show by the British National Party in the forth-coming local elections.

Organisers of the controversial, far-right party confirmed only last month that three members would stand for Barrow Town Hall seats.

But despite their bold claims, the BNP failed to register any candidates by the time nominations closed.

BNP North West regional organiser Bev Jones said it was due to work commitments.

Supporters were instead concentrating their efforts on helping BNP chairman Nick Griffin become elected in the North West Euro-elections.

She said: "We have had to consolidate our resources. The candidates we had up for election did not meet our criteria.

"There is a lot more pressure on the BNP than any other and we have to make sure that, if these people are elected, they will have the time to commit."

More than 200 people attended an anti-BNP rock gig in Barrow earlier this month as local opposition mounted.

The Anti Nazi League has also been handing out leaflets in Barrow town centre.