A MAN who arrived in East Lancashire after clinging to lorries for three weeks to escape persecution today criticised fellow asylum seekers for not giving the area a chance.

Afghan journalist Adbul Waheed said he feels safe for the first time in eight years after escaping from persecution in his home country.

And unlike other asylum seekers who often flee back to London within days of being sent to live elsewhere, Abdul just wants to stay here.

He said he was forced to flee his home in Kabul, the war-torn country's capital, after the ruling Taleban group in the country began persecuting him and fellow journalists.

Abdul's supposed crime was daring to broadcast non-biased and uncensored stories for his employer, the Bakhtat Information Agency, which met with the wrath of Taleban, who use violence and intimidation to maintain control of the country.

The group is made up of Afghans trained in religious schools in Pakistan as well as former Islamic fighters.

Abdul, who spoke through an interpreter, added: "Here, I feel safe and I feel happier. The people are very friendly and they have been nice to me. I am learning to speak English and want to stay here. People should give areas like this a chance and be grateful.

"My six months in the country is nearly up but I can't go home, I can't because I will be killed."

Each year, 76,000 people seek asylum in Britain, with 20,000 successful. Home Secretary Jack Straw plans to put a quota on the numbers allowed in every year if Labour wins the election.

Mr Straw was approached by Abdul when he was out electioneering in Blackburn town centre. Abdul is waiting to see if he can stay in the town He added: "I want to be part of Blackburn. The people have been very nice to me and I want to stay here. For as long as I am here, I know my family are safe, but if I go home they won't be."

Mr Straw's office confirmed he met Abdul and said the Blackburn parliamentary candidate would be looking into the case.

Abdul's journey to Blackburn -- a place he had never heard of before -- began six months ago after a sustained period of threats against independent journalists who refused to toe the party line.

"They came round to my house and beat me up," says Abdul.

"They said if I did not leave the country, they would kill me and my family. They would have killed me."