TOO few women and too few white people are on the Racial Equality Council, according to its secretary.

Pendle councillor Azhar Ali says problems facing the Burnley and Pendle REC are based around its membership, and he has issued a strong warning to its present members that their personal agendas and aspirations will have to stop if the group is to succeed.

In his annual report Mr Ali says the council's future funding will depend on how it is perceived by industry and commerce as well as by local councils.

He said: "There is no doubt in my mind that we are one of the top RECs in the country in terms of quality of work and results achieved.

"However, we do have our problems.

"The problems are based around the membership. For too long personal agendas and aspirations of individuals have taken the limelight and precedence over other valuable activities which have suffered as a result.

"This is resulting in the disillusionment of certain members, in particular the white community. We are a community, and as such need to ensure that all facets have an equal voice and should be heard.

"The time is right for all to put personal differences aside and work with officers to ensure the good work of the REC is allowed to continue."

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