SADLY, it would seem that 9,500 people in the Redbridge and Havering area did not take the advice of the leader in last week's paper warning of the electoral dangers represented by the far British National Party (BNP).

The party won around 77,000 votes in London as a whole and a seat in the assembly. That means there are 9,500 people in this area who should be hanging their heads in shame.

As someone whose father fought in the Second World War to stop the advance of fascism, I regard voting for the BNP as tantamount to desecrating of war memorials. It is a kick in the teeth to those who gave so much to halt the advance of fascism across Europe and the world.

The BNP makes noises about nationalism but its form of nationalism is simply anti-immigrant, fostering divisions between different races and creeds.

Much of the media coverage in this country on immigration plays direct to the BNP's right wing agenda, so maybe no one should be surprised at the rise in electoral fortunes of the party.

However, it is about time that 77,000 people who voted for the BNP woke up to what migrants have contributed to the well being of the UK and the loss it will be if they stop coming here.

Perhaps those who did not vote need reminding of the old saying that for evil to triumph all that is needed is for good people to do nothing.

Paul Donovan, Dangan Road, Wanstead.