BNP at root of campaign against taxi rank

POLITICALLY MOTIVATED: I feel the time has come for me to respond to the increasingly bitter personal attacks made on me by Steve Davies, the proprietor of the Beer Emporium off-licence in Burslem (Councillor's rank bad solution, The Sentinel, December 17). For readers who may not be aware, Mr Davies, pictured, has been campaigning against the siting of a taxi rank near his shop and for some reason appears to hold me personally responsible for what he feels was a wrong decision. If only I had that kind of power within the council I could snap my fingers and instantly solve all the long-standing problems in Burslem! In reality, it was problems caused by vehicles illegally plying for hire and the ongoing regeneration of the town which convinced the Burslem Regeneration Company and the council of the need for a permanent central taxi rank to safeguard the public and taxi drivers alike.

There is, however, another side to Mr Davies' campaign which he has so far kept well under wraps, namely that he is a member of the British National Party and stood as an election candidate for them in Alsager, where he lives. It leaves me in little doubt that this campaign has been directed against me as someone who has consistently taken a stand against the BNP.

Steve, the people of Burslem over many years have shown their fondness for beer, but please leave your BNP campaigns in Alsager as they are not wanted in Burslem. For as long as I can remember, people from different backgrounds have got along together in Burslem.

JOY GARNER Burslem North Councillor