GROUPS fighting for racial equality in Dorset fear the extremist views of a right-wing group that has taken root in Christchurch will incite hatred and division in the borough.

The controversial British National Party, known for its hard line on immigration and asylum seekers, has targeted Christchurch with leaflet drops and political propaganda.

And it claims its radical ideas attracted so much support there it decided to set up a group, which is being led by two young local women.

The news came as it emerged HSBC has become the second bank to freeze the BNP's accounts - believed to be in response to a BBC documentary in which party members were secretly filmed confessing to race-hate crime.

Spokesman for the Dorset Race Equality Council David Shire said: "Our job is to try and improve racial harmony and eliminate all forms of discrimination, but the kind of views these people have make our job much more difficult."

Shocked councillors admitted they are surprised and disappointed at the emergence of the BNP in Christchurch and crossed the political divide to join forces in urging residents to steer clear of the group.

Leader of Christchurch Borough Council Conservative Alan Griffiths said: "Anyone is entitled to join or support any party they wish, but I deeply regret that a party representing these extremist views is active in Christchurch."

The 23-year-old leader of Christchurch's BNP group, known only as Emma Y to protect her identity, was brought up in the town and joined the party because she was disillusioned with mainstream politics.

And the young woman, now responsible for spreading the BNP's doctrine in Christchurch, added that the party's uncompromising ideas, which include publicly birching yobs, are appealing to a growing number of disillusioned residents.

"I looked at all the other political parties before I joined the BNP, but they seemed to be the only party with the guts to make any changes," she said.

The BNP's organiser in Dorset, Barry Bennett, revealed that Christchurch is the second town in the county where the party has set up a group.

"Christchurch is part of this green and pleasant land, with a lot of history, and we want it to stay the way it is," he said. "People in Christchurch don't want to see a mosque. They're happy with the Priory."

First published: October 22