During the recent elections a number of people in Crawley and Horsham distributed leaflets to roughly 4000 homes, providing information about the BNP and their record when they have won elections.

The results in Crawley were:

Furnace Green

BNP votes slightly down, despite an increased turnout, and their percentage reduced from 14% to 6%.

Ifield

BNP vote down by about a third and their percentage down from 18% to 13%

Southgate

BNP vote and percentage of the vote both slightly down

Tilgate

The first time the BNP stood in the ward. Historically their vote is quite high on their first attempt due to novelty value, but they had fewer votes here than in any other ward, although still 100 more than the Liberal Democrats.

Nobody can know whether there is any sort of cause and effect. For all I know the BNP vote would have been lower anyway, but experience elsewhere has shown that a strong opposition can prevent the fascist party getting the critical mass it needs.

All this was done without any organisation – just individuals getting together to acquire and distribute leaflets to not even half the properties with BNP candidates. There is a chance to form a proper organisation in Crawley and Horsham to not only be more effective in future elections but also to raise awareness throughout the year. All it needs is a few more individuals, plus more support from local political parties, faith groups and trade unions.

To try and make this happen, there is a meeting being held this month at the Friary in Crawley Town Centre (close to the railway and bus stations and surrounded by car parks) at 7:30pm on May 23rd.

If anyone wants to help provide an effective opposition to the BNP in Crawley and Horsham they just need to come along. No need to sign up, although that would help. Financial support, willingness to spend time delivering literature, helping to manage the organisation, using artistic skills to design posters or websites, or just moral support – these are all ways you can help.

Just turn up at the Friary on May 23rd and make a difference in Crawley and Horsham.