BNP leader patrols Corsham (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

BNP leader patrols Corsham

10:08am Wednesday 16th May 2007 in

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The chairman of the British National Party, Nick Griffin, joined local members to patrol the streets of Corsham last night.

He joined new BNP councillor for the town Mick Simpkins and other party colleagues including Michael Howson on a an evening patrol to identify incidents of anti-social behaviour.

The vigilante walkabouts began in February this year and BNP organisers say they set up a group in the area after residents expressed concerns about intimidating groups of young people and badly behaved adults.

Wiltshire BNP organiser Mike Howson said: "The patrols started in February because we had been approached by concerned residents about anti-social behaviour in the town.

"They are community patrols, which are made up of groups of four, and are estate-based. We are simply acting on the worries and concerns of the residents who have contacted us."

Mr Howson said the majority of the members involved are from Corsham and the surrounding areas and many of them are ex-servicemen.

He said: "We walk around and show our presence in the area. We talk to people and inform parents if their children have been involved in acts of anti-social behaviour and may on occasion escort them home.

"People were more than happy to see us out on the streets and we are fulfilling a public need. We will continue to patrol as long as the public want us there."

Mr Griffin congratulated his colleagues for their efforts over recent months.