A DRAFT Racial Equality Scheme has been given the thumbs up by Redditch Council's Executive committee in a bid to push out "covert and overt racism" in the town.

The Race Relations Amendment Act (2000) was introduced after an inquiry was held into the death of black teenager Stephen Lawrence.

This Act placed new duties on local authorities to eliminate unlawful racial discrimination, promote equality of opportunity and promote good relations between people of different racial groups.

The Executive was given copies of the draft scheme, which looks at improving racial equality under numerous headings, including youth, leisure, housing, partnership working and health.

In support of the scheme, Tory councillor Gavin Smithers said: "What we need is to bring people to the forefront of events and places and build their confidence within Redditch.

"What they bring to the life of the town is very rich and everyone should do their best to make sure this is celebrated."

Liberal Democrat Councillor Diane Thomas said positive action needed to be taken if racism in the town was to be pushed out.

"There's both covert and overt racism taking place out there all the time," she said.

"It is vital we all do our bit to stamp this out."