A COUNCIL has been asked to reconsider its refusal of an advertisement expressing solidarity with Palestinians on its digital billboard on a key road gateway.

Human rights campaign Drive For Justice wanted to place the image including ‘#Gaza’ on the electronic screen on Barbara Castle Way, Blackburn.

It would have been displayed for two weeks but Blackburn with Darwen Borough’s chief executive Harry Catherall turned the request down.

He said the advert would have contravened its guidelines on political impartiality.

Now Drive for Justice spokesman Asif Mahmud has written back to Mr Catherall asking for a rethink.

His letter says: "The notion that the decision to deny Drive For Justice advertising for Palestine and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza would be perceived as ‘impartial’ is not only wrong but quite absurd.

"Drive For Justice are asking for the advertisement on the digital display at Barbara Castle Way to raise awareness of human right abuses and solidarity with the people of Palestine.

"By declining the request, the Council has already taken sides and forsaken impartiality

"Your decision also goes against the majority public view, the people of Palestine need to be protected and afforded their basic human rights.

The council had no immediate further comment to make.

Mr Mahmud added: "Drive For Justice is a non-profit human rights organisation raising awareness of human rights violations across the world."