A NEW policy will give Blackburn with Darwen Council powers to ban racist or extremist groups and individuals from hiring out council spaces.

The local authority is set to approve a proposed responsible venue hire policy when its executive board meets next week.

Council bosses say the policy provides guidance on mitigating the risk and the processes involved in ensuring that defendable and informed decisions are made when hiring out venues.

The policy will also apply to public realm or public open space such as the town hall square in Blackburn.

Council chief executive, Denise Park, said: “Blackburn with Darwen is made up of communities that have shared values and principles embedded in their fabric.

“Modern day challenges associated with extremism threaten the positive influence of our diverse communities, which is why Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council is refreshing our approach to community cohesion and engagement with a renewed focus on strengthening the bond our communities share, celebrating diversity, and isolating those that wish to deny, distort or divide us.

“As a vibrant multi-cultural borough we have a responsibility to protect our communities from speakers who seek to spread hate using speech to incite violence or hatred and threaten community cohesion, health and public safety.

“It is vital that people are given the space to think and speak freely even when we disagree or are offended by what they have to say.

“People do have a right to offend us, so long as we also maintain our right not to be subject to that which we find offensive.

“However, the line between free speech and hate speech is not easily defined.

"The challenge for public authorities like Blackburn with Darwen Council is two-fold.

"Where is the line between a person's right to offend and what they say requiring action be taken; and then what does the public body do about it?

"Whether it is racist groups or individuals who promote extremist ideas and sow seeds of division and hate in the borough, as a public body we need to ensure our buildings are safe and welcoming

spaces for all, as well as seeking to use our influence to ensure other facilities in the borough are too.

"Building stronger and resilient communities is at the heart of everything we do here in Blackburn with Darwen.

"The approach to challenging hate speech and intolerance will require a multi-agency approach from other public and third sector organisations."

It is hoped the framework will also be used as guidance for private venues across the borough.