Newsdesk
PRESS RELEASE 19 January 2009
How could it
happen here?
A campaigner in Ryedale today tore into the BNP after the race-hate group leafleted parts of his home town.
Outraged Howard Keal, Lib Dem Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Malton and Thirsk, reacted with “anger and sadness.”
“Up to now I’ve always regarded Ryedale as a safe haven out of reach of the racist British National Party.
“It’s a huge regret to find that it has broken cover and is openly attempting to spread its mix of hate, myths and lies.
“Some of the claims seem plausible at first but it’s just a hook to drag people in before they follow up with the heavy racism,” said Howard.
“This is a party whose founder described Hitler’s Mein Kampf as his Bible and with a host of senior members tainted by violence.
“Two supporters confronted in Norton were asked if they were distributing Nazi literature - their answer was ‘Yes, we are.’”
Howard, Lib Dem leader on Ryedale District Council, attacked the party for peddaling myths over issues such as housing,
“It makes claims about immigration and housing when the reality is that virtually all migrants share private rented accommodation.
“The BNP leaflet also picks up on jobs when the true picture is that economic migrants are going home in droves.
“Anyone who enjoys a meal out, stays in a hotel or goes to hospital would soon suffer if the BNP had its way.
“Worse still, everything from football to farm fields would be poorer – we’d be without Ronaldo and crops would be left to rot.
“We also have millions of Britons working abroad who would all be forced to return here if other countries adoped the same racist madness.”
Howard has vivid memories of the kindness of people years ago when he and his wife Di back packed around
“It was a constant embarrassment how well we were looked after knowing how badly immigrants were treated at the time in our country.
“Just as a light finally goes on in
“I hope people will refuse to be taken in and show racism the door. This has been a safe haven from the extemists – let’s keep it that way.”
it is now!
23 November 2008
Snow flurries failed to deter a determined dozen from planting hundreds of bulbs at the weekend in Norton’s
Armed with trowels and spades the team carried on regardless and completed the task despite a mini blizzard at one point.
Brian Thackray, chairman of Lakeside Community Action Group, said: “Everyone set to work with a will which helped keep out the cold!
“We are now looking forward to the spring and seeing the results of all our efforts on the day.”
Molly Keal (15), sister Emily (12) and Maisie Northing (11) helped publicise the day with leaflets and Brian’s wife celebrated her birthday planting bulbs!
Snow showers failed to lay on the day and by the time a white carpet had appeared the bulbs were safely tucked away.
“It went very well and everything was all done and dusted in little more than an hour and a half,” said Brian.
“What was good as well was that it turned into a social occasion giving people a chance to meet up.”
Youngsters from Norton County Primary will also be helping to make spring special with a planting session on Friday. (Nov 28).
Volunteers included Norton Councillor Howard Keal, who said: “It’s great that the school is supporting the bid to make the area bloom.
“So far we’ve put in daffodils but bearing in mind the weather maybe it should have been snowdrops!”
“At the same time, I have to mention it’s important for the children and the enjoyment of grown ups as well that owners pick up after their dogs.
“Most are very responsible and do clear away after their pets but we need others follow suit to help make the area better for everyone. ”
Lakeside Community Action Group would like to hear from anyone interested in joining – just call Brian on Malton 694125.
For further details please call group chairman Brian Thackray on Malton 694125, or Molly Keal on 694546.