FOUR civic leaders have made a stand against the British National Party ahead of tomorrow's county council election.

Two BNP members are standing in Stroud, although only one on the party's behalf.

"We wish to state our support for the recent statement of the Archbishops of Canterbury and York," said a statement from Nailsworth mayor Norman Kay, his Stonehouse counterpart Mattie Ross and Stroud mayor Andy Read and his deputy John Marjoram. "We're proud that our many ethnic and national communities live in harmony together. We treasure this and are glad of the contribution they make to the life of our towns. We're aware of the BNP's ultimate aim to 'repatriate' black and Asian British people and how this can foster divisions between our local people simply because of their differing faiths or racial roots. We urge electors to avoid supporting any candidates who would foster prejudice and hate."

Coun Kay put his name to the statement on his behalf and not the town council's.

BNP member Robert Hansjorg Paterson, who is standing independently in Nailsworth and Minchinhampton, said: "The statement from two bishops and a brace of small town mayors is suspect in itself. They suggest you shouldn't support the BNP for reasons unproven but they don't say who you should vote for instead."

Chas Fellows (Con), who is defending the Chalford ward, said: "I'm pleased the mayors have made this statement. It's rather unfortunate that such an extreme party may gain some popularity through what's happened at Westminster recently."

The mayors were supported by Labour's Stroud West candidate Karon Cross, Green candidate for Stroud East Sarah Lunnon, Lib Dem candidate for Wotton-under-Edge John Cordwell and UKIP Minchinhampton and Nailsworth hopeful Steve Parker.