'We need 'em like a snake in a lucky dip'

He said: 'The BNP are as welcome in Bognor as a rattlesnake in a lucky dip. Anyone who thinks that party has changed its policies is wrong.

'I would not want anyone to be duped into thinking they are anything but a fascist party. They always have been and always will be. I hope the people of Bognor will snub them at the election. The BNP peddle nothing but rubbish and a lot of myths, which can be easily undermined by the truth.'

Leaders of the district council's two other main political parties also reacted strongly to the BNP's formal arrival in the town.

Cllr Gill Brown (Aldwick East), the Conservative group leader on Arun District Council, said: 'We are lucky to live in a democracy but, unfortunately, this can mean extremism emerging.

'As Conservatives, we will be fielding candidates across the district and offering a broad range of policy to appeal to the whole electorate. We urge all electors to avoid extremism of any kind.'

Liberal Democrat Cllr Simon McDougall (Bersted) stated: 'From a personal point of view, I welcome the opportunity to debate openly the matters the BNP want to raise. It will give us all the opportunity for a frank and honest debate on issues that concern us all.

'It will also give us the chance to dispel the many myths that are being peddled by Nick Griffin and his followers.