A HARTLEY Wintney man is to stand for the controversial British National Party in Hook in next month's local elections for Hart District Council.

Roger Robertson, 58, who lives near Phoenix Green, is also on the party's list of candidates for the South East in the forthcoming European parliamentary elections on June 10.

Mr Robertson claims any notion that the party is composed of extreme right-wing thugs is misplaced.

He told The Gazette: "I had the same impression of thuggishness at one time, but in fact it is more Middle England. In most people's eyes, the BNP is a racist organisation when, in fact, it is not really true."

Mr Robertson, who is a member of the Church of England, said he has had a positive reaction when canvassing and believes he has some good policies on local issues.

He said: "I'm frankly amazed at the warmth of reception I receive."

His policies in his election address are that:

chronic vandalism in Hook should be reduced by providing a caf for youngsters to go to in the evenings

a Hart council office should be created in Hook for the convenience of local people

all Hart meeting transcripts should be published on the web minus personal details

many Hart council workers should work from home to save taxpayers' money.

He said: "What motivates most of those I have met in the BNP are the kind of things which were current when I was a child - when it was safe on the streets, there was respect for the police and school teachers, and there was discipline and self-discipline."

A former member of the UK Independence Party, Mr Robertson was born in Farnborough and runs his own telecoms business.

He said he is disillusioned with the inconsistency of the main parties. He added his party believes in voluntary repatriation of immigrants and the removal of all illegal immigrants and economic migrants.

He said pressure of numbers in the South East means immigration must cease immediately to prevent over-development. He claims immigration and political correctness are "subsuming our culture".

Mr Robertson is the sole BNP candidate in Hart or Basingstoke and Deane, but he said three BNP candidates are standing in Farnborough.