THE deputy leader of Burnley Council today denied accusing anyone of racism when he attacked a decision to refuse permission for a take-away food shop.

Coun Rafique Malik successfully argued for the decision regarding a property in town centre Hammerton Street to be overturned when it was further discussed at a later meeting of the development control sub-committee.

But his comments about the hot food take-away got some councillors hot under the collar and now the matter is to be raised at tomorrow's full meeting of the town council.

Independent leader Coun Harry Brooks has written to the mayor, Coun Eddie Fisk attacking Coun Malik for his comments.

In the letter to be read out in the council chamber under the heading of mayor's communications, Coun Brooks says that Coun Malik, who was speaking as a member of the public at the meeting, "very clearly and directly implied that the previous rejection had been because the applicant was of Asian origin." Coun Brooks, a member of the development control committee adds: "I am sure the great majority of those present found Coun Malik's allegation outrageous and unfounded.

"I think a full meeting of the council should be made aware of this matter."

Today Coun Malik said he had not accused the committee of racism but had simply responded to a member who had privately made disparaging comments to him about the type of person who applied for take-aways.

"I said that a person who held such views should not be making decisions on matters of planning; if someone didn't like someone with red hair and someone with red hair applied for permission, they should, if they held such a view, withdraw from the decision making process."

Coun Malik's remarks caused uproar when he addressed the committee meeting, prompting chairman Stephen Large to retort: "This committee looks at each application on merit and there are no other factors."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.