AN announcement that the British National Party will once again field a candidate for Epping Forest in the General Election has drawn concern from some in the district.

BNP district council group leader Pat Richardson has been confirmed by the far right party as its choice to fight the Epping Forest constituency in 2010.

Independent Loughton councillor Stephen Murray, who claimed last year he was targeted for abuse by BNP supporting youths, urged caution over the announcement.

He said: “I think they'll take a number of votes from other parties because there's a level of disillusionment, but I don't think they'll do very well. More and more people are beginning to realise their values and what they stand for.

“I don't know if they'll cause problems during the election. It depends on how they decide their tactics. If they display their true colours in any way then that could cause issues but if they play that down it might not have an impact.”

Loughton Festival organiser Sue Taylor has also called for voters to think extra carefully in this year's election.

She said: “I'm not a BNP supporter. They make people's view on race an issue and I take offence at the leaflets that go through my door. I'm not happy with any BNP candidate, but let them stand, it's people's choice.”

Conservative Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing said: “I fully expected they would put up a candidate. I believe in free speech but I'm very concerned some disillusioned Labour voters will consider voting for the BNP. I hope most people will decide against that because the BNP are divisive in their outlook, and I believe the vast majority of people in Epping Forest would prefer to see an in inclusive and integrated society.”

Labour's parliamentary candidate Katie Curtis said: “Of course it's an issue of concern when a candidate from a party which is based on issues of race and dividing communities is standing. However, I think people see through their policies. If people in Epping Forest are looking for a change that is going to be us, the Labour Party.”

Lib Dem parliamentary candidate Ann Haigh said: "The only way to beat the Conservatives in Epping Forest is to vote Liberal Democrat. I am campaigning on the issues that matter most to local residents:fairer taxes,protecting the NHS and cleaning up politics."

Pat Richardson declined to comment on her position as parliamentary candidate but a statement posted on the BNP's Epping Forest blog said: “Pat understands the issues and concerns of the local residents and wishes to take them up at parliamentary level. She has served her electorate locally with sincerity and commitment.”

In the 2005 election BNP candidate Julian Leppert secured 1,728 votes.

This year, seven parties have so far declared a candidate: the Conservatives, Labour, Liberal Democrats, The BNP, UKIP, the Green Party, and the English Democrats.