Burnley Must Change And Become A Multi-Cultural Town

"Burnley Speaks, Who Listens?", the Burnley Task Force Report launched at Turf Moor early today, believes that the promotion of multi-culturalism on a borough-wide basis is a priority if the town wishes to avoid further race riots.

The inquiry into the disturbances in June condemned the segregation of the communities and the lack of multi-cultural structures in the town.

The report is highly critical ofBurnley's indigenous white community and expressed concern that so many people support the British National Party.

Independent councillors come under fire for being 'maverick' in their views and having a bad influence over other members.

There was also a rap across the knuckles for local newspapers, the 'Burnley Express' and 'Burnley Citizen', who were told to draw up new guidelines so their reporting could not be seen as contributing to racial tension.

Muslim youths were totally exonerated of any involvement in burning, looting and rioting and are not mentioned at all in the report. Apparently the trouble was started by criminal drug gangs arguing over their ill-gotten gains and kept going by Burnley residents with racist views.
Amongst the 15 recommendations of the report are . . .

*Housing associations should consider how they can increase the attractiveness of their properties for black and minority ethnic households.

* When resources are directed to areas with large minority ethnic communities the reasons for this should be communicated to the people of Burnley.

* LCC should seek to recruit more minority ethnic youth workers.





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