ANYONE is entitled to stand for election in our democracy. But Worcester people are entitled to know what they stand for.

The Ronkswood woman who has announced her intention to stand for the BNP says "they're not racist" and are "not as bad as people think" .

One of the BNP campaign themes is zero tolerance for violent thugs. But in one town, a BNP candidate was revealed to have eight convictions, including burglary, theft and assault on a police officer.

This campaign literature proclaimed him as the law and order candidate - until the local paper printed the truth. I am sure there are many more like him.

We do need a proper debate about asylum and immigration. We should not sweep it under the carpet. But the BNP only uses this issue - and crime and drugs - to distract voters.

Mrs Roberts and her son are entitled to be disillusioned with Labour. Many people share her feelings. By all means, let her stand for the city council to express that. But she, and all of us, should be under no illusion about what I believe the BNP really is.

COUNCILLOR FRANCIS LANKESTER,

All Saints Ward, Worcester.