A CAMPAIGNER for racial harmony has urged those affected by the continuing hostilities not to suffer in silence.

As tension mounts globally, Worcestershire County Councillor Margaret Wills said she was keen to get the next meeting of the Racial Harassment Forum underway and tackle rising tensions in Worcester.

She stressed nobody expected people not to have a reaction to what had happened over the last month, but if the city stood together, people's feelings could be channelled in a positive direction.

"We need to preserve the harmony we have in Worcester," she said.

"This is the chance for groups and individuals to really decide how Worcester is going to react to this crisis."

Through the Forum, people will be able to voice their concerns through representatives from organisations across the city.

"Vulnerable" or worried citizens are urged to get in touch with their church, mosque, the police or other statutory bodies who will be present at the next meeting of the Forum's independent advisory group.

Hostility has already started to rear its head in Worcester, with trouble in Wyld's Lane and graffiti inciting "Long Live Osama bin Laden" scrawled over city walls.

"We don't want these difficult times to result in extra tension," added Coun Wills.

"We deplore any sort of violence and extra pressure shouldn't be put on families from Pakistan at present."

The independent advisory group is now urging people to rally round as they did during the National Front march crisis last year.

"We all supported the city council to get it banned and it's only through this kind of support that the authorities, who hold the power, can achieve their aim," said Coun Wills.

"We'll stand together and if people want to react, we can channel it.

"We didn't decide on a course of action at the last meeting two weeks ago as the situation was unclear.

"But now the hostilities have started, we will find a way of making sure the people of Worcester continue to have support, safety and harmony in Worcester."

The date of the next meeting will be announced in the near future.