Leaflets spread 'hope not hate'

The thousands of flyers publicise the group of residents' call for hope not hate. The individuals have no party political affiliation.

But they are urging Bognor's local politicans, church and community leaders and businesses to stand together against racism and for tolerance and understanding as the town's population is swelled by an estimated 6,000 eastern Europeans.

The Labour Party, Liberal Democrats, Conservative and Independents have all signed up to the charter.

They have been joined by the Bishop of Horsham, the Rt Revd Lindsay Urwin, and the ministers of five churches around Bognor together with many members of their congregations.

Local and regional trade unions have also given support. They include the West Sussex branch of Unison, the University and College union at the University of Chichester, the GMB's south east region and the regional secretary of the TUC.

Local businesses which have offered backing include Reynolds Ltd, The Enterprise Store Ltd, Turners Outside Catering, Christ for the Nations UK at the Royal Norfolk Hotel, the Wheatsheaf pub and Palm Services.

Others have also expressed sympathy for Bognor Together's aims but feel unable to give public support because they feel it would amount to a political statement so close to next Thursday's local council elections.

A spokesman for Bognor Together said: 'We hope that many more leading figures in the public and community sector in the town will follow this trend.'

Bognor Together's charter states that its supporters reject hatred and prejudice and they aim to share a spirit of understanding and tolerance among all people whatever their disability, sexuality, ethnicity, faith, culter, gender or age.

It continues: '˜Bognor has a long and proud history of welcoming a wide variety of people as visitors and residents. Our town depends on everyone working together and only by being outward looking can we make sure that the town flourishes. If we work together to improve our understanding of each other then this will help the revival and development of the area.

Residents can show their backing by writing to:Bognor Together, PO Box 778, Bognor Regis PO21 9DT.