Same street, worlds apart

Twenty years on, the white TV producer and the Asian policeman united to make last night's documentary about being a Muslim in the Lancashire Constabulary.

And Ian, 36, and Faxi, 34, today revealed they believed the mistrust and racism was still rife through the town, only in a less open, more covert way.

They are both hoping that "Living With It", which was broadcast on ITV1, helps change people's perceptions.

Faxi and Ian grew up in Boland Street and Juniper Street -- different sections of the same road in Bastwell, Blackburn -- although they do not remember each other.

Ian, who now lives in Lancaster said: "There was always minor confrontations in the area and name calling. There was no mixing in terms of friendship.

"We referred to each other in grossly unacceptable ways and a lot of people haven't moved on from that now in Blackburn. It was almost acceptable to be like that, especially for the working classes. When you mix with other people you make friendships and understand different backgrounds."

Faxi, a father-of-three, added: "There was general mistrust and and suspicion of different cultures and communities which stopped you from friendship building and mixing.

"I still feel that this prevails in Blackburn, although we are now trying to put forward ideas. The areas in Blackburn are separate. You have Whalley Range, Bastwell and Audley, then white people in places like Shadsworth.

"The Asian people have their own shops and doctors in their areas and see no need to go anywhere else. That is a real shame. I don't encounter racism in my job. I believe that racism still exists, but people don't mention it as they know I will challenge it."

Ian has made about a dozen documentaries since leaving his job as a Granada TV news reporter and setting up his own TV production company called 4-2-1.

His return to Blackburn for "Living With It" was to film the last of three episodes about conflicts between people's work and their religion. The other two shows were about a top lawyer and judge who was a Jew and a infertility doctor who was a Christian.

Ian said: "We wanted to explore how you can be 100 per cent committed to your job and your religion."

His crew followed Faxi, plus three other Muslim officers from Lancashire. Faxi, who works in the ethnic minority team in Blackburn, was filmed policing a Rovers match at Ewood Park, at the annual Blackburn Mela and on general day-to-day duties.

He was questioned about how he juggles Islam and his role in the police,

Faxi, an officer for eight years, said: "Prayer times were always going to be difficult. I am supposed to pray five times a day, but because of my job sometimes I can only manage once, so I have to catch up.

"Fasting is also very difficult. If I am on a one till 10 shift and the sun sets at 4.30pm, it is a dilemma. It is a challenge but I am 100 per cent committed to being a police officer."

TV REVIEW: Film-maker shows faith in job

ANY programme which provides the viewer a greater understanding of different faiths and cultures, if done well, has to be a good thing.

Living With It, which looked at three Muslim officers serving with Blackburn Police, worked because it kept things simple.

This was a programme about how those with strong beliefs balance their religious and working lives.

Blackburn-born director Ian Aspin resisted any temptation to tackle wider issues and kept his cameras focused on the practical difficulties.

How for example do officers who through their religion have to pray five times a day reconcile that with a need to work a full shift on duty?

That the programme was an enlightening half hour was in no small part due to the openness of the three officers. Both candid and articulate, they were capable of expressing the dilemmas they face on a daily basis where their job and beliefs come into conflict.

What came through was their dedication to the force and understanding of compromise. Their thoughtful approach to life and work would be a useful lesson for others.

JOHN ANSON