UNION officials today accused a council to trying to censor its staff after an asylum seeker support worker was rapped for a letter attacking the BNP.

The letter, which was published in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph's letters column, has prompted a reminder to all Blackburn with Darwen Council staff about the need to remain impartial.

Council officers are being reminded that they should keep opinions to themselves -- particularly if it affects their work -- and deputy council leader of Coun Kate Hollern said she is 'investigating' the matter.

But public sector union Unison said it was concerned that the council could be attempting to supress personal opinions.

In the letter, asylum support worker Peter Mulholland criticised the far-right BNP and the Press, blaming them for a hostile reception received by asylum seekers in Blackburn.

He made no reference to his job in the letter and the link only came to light when council officers contacted the Lancashire Evening Telegraph to say they had been told to keep opinions to themselves.

He stated: "Thanks to the resentment against them worked up by the Press and the British National Party and by being blamed for lack of resources available for other things, asylum seekers are subject to appalling and shameful harassment and assault in Blackburn."

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In May, the Lancashire Evening Telegraph revealed the plight of one Zimbabwean asylum seeker who fled Robert Mugabe's regime and was sent to Blackburn on arrival in the UK, where he has been mugged and taunted by gangs in Mill Hill where he is living.

In the letter Mr Mulholland added: "Many asylum seekers have used all their resources to get to a safe place. As they are destitute and if they have claimed asylum immediately they get here, they can get government support.

"It is the bare minimum. There are no luxuries and the money they get is less than the job seeker allowance level. They are often housed in homes no one else wants and are not allowed to work."

George Campling, director of rights, advice and entitlements, refused to say what action would be taken over the letter, but said staff would be reminded about remaining neutral. He said: "All officers are aware of the need to keep their personal views confidential and now consider this matter closed.

"This is an internal matter and not something which should be discussed in the Press."

Today, Coun Kate Hollern, acting as leader while Coun Bill Taylor is absent, said: "This is not what we need. I will be investigating this to ensure it does not happen again. It is a very sensitive issue."

Don Clarkson, assistant branch secretary of Blackburn with Darwen Unison, said: "Council employees are employed to provide a service to all duly elected members on an apolitical basis. It would be awkward for a member of staff to be biased in terms of provision of service and this rule is more a protection for staff. We are concerned people may feel prevented from having a political view on a personal level."

A national spokesman for the union added: "Anything which involves telling people not to talk publicly about their opinions is censorship. Out of work, they are entitled to express opinions."

Conservative councillor Paul McGurty said: "Officers do need to be apolitical when at work, but no one would have known that this man worked for the council had they not kicked up a stink about it within the town hall. Telling officers not to express an opinion publicly is sticking a gagging order on them. It's attacking free speech."

Mr Mulholland said he had no comment.