THERE is little evidence of intimidation or harassment of the gay community in the Burnley area, according to the chief of a new group aiming to head off intolerance.
Burnley councillor Tony Harrison, has been elected chairman of the Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Lesbian and Gay Community Forum - a group set up following a police initiative to seek out offences against homosexuals which may go unreported.
Coun Harrison said discussions so far had uncovered little to cause concern. "It simply does not seem to be a problem in Burnley."
He added that police seemed to have a very sympathetic attitude on minority crime and were encouraging closer links with the gay and lesbian community.
"They want to know if there is a problem and for people to have the confidence to discuss things with them if there is."
Coun Harrison said he wanted to widen the scope of the forum, taking in not only minority crime but also such things as health and employment issues.
He said the next meeting of the forum, in the Garden Bar, St James Street, Burnley, would be open to the public.
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