COUNCILLORS have voiced their intention to ban the controversial movie Crash from local cinema screens. But the licensing group must first view the 'sexual fetish' film at an exclusive preview before making a final decision. At a meeting last week, the movie was described as "depraved' and "horrible" by councillors who expressed concerns that it would encourage copycat behaviour.

None of the committee had seen David Cronenberg's film, which the Dukes hope to screen in October as part of a special season looking at censorship, but the licensing group is expected to impose a ban on the movie after viewing it.

"I wish the film had never been made. It's the weakest excuse for depravity I've ever heard," said Cllr Hilda Shuttleworth.

"Thousands of youngsters pinch cars to go joyriding and I think this film will encourage this. It could impress youngsters and give them ideas," said Cllr Shirley Burns.

Cllr Jean Race said she had read JG Ballard's story, on which the film is based, and explained to members that the book is about people who get sexual kicks from witnessing road traffic accidents.

She added: "The book is horrible and has no artistic merit. People won't realise what they are going to see."

Cllr Geoff Knight said he believed that the British public needs protecting but doubted the view that it would encourage copycat behaviour.

He said: "Silence of the Lambs is about cannibalism and has been seen by hundreds of millions of people but we've not seen an increase in cannibalism."

Cllr Albert Thornton said: "If we ban the film it will become more attractive and people will go to even greater lengths to see it. Who are we to sit in judgement on what people see?"

Cllr Richard Newman-Thompson said: "I feel strongly that we should allow the public to make up their own minds."

Cllr Terrie Metcalfe added: "How can we go to people and say we've seen it but it's not good enough for you?"

A motion to view Crash at a special preview was moved by Cllr Shirley Burns.

We have had numerous calls on this issue at the Citizen office. Mr David Stocker of Lancaster said: "Who do the council think they are? We are living in a nanny state. Cronenberg is one of the most visceral film directors working today. This is a serious film of a serious book and it is patronising of the council to consider that the public should not see it." Mr Chris Heaton of Morecambe had an opposing view. He said: "I may be old fashioned but I believe that standards should be kept. The sort of people who say anything goes will see us return to barbarism."

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