The eagerly-contested Abberd ward by-election in Calne takes place next Thursday and Labour candidate Stephen Foxcroft has urged voters to oppose the 'hatred' of the BNP.

Echoing public protests made in Malmesbury two weeks ago, Mr Foxcroft said: "I urge people to support me and send the BNP a message that the people of Calne will not tolerate

its extremist views, hatred and bigotry."

Mr Foxcroft said canvassing had only revealed five or six voters in favour of BNP candidate Robert Baggs. The Conservative party will be

represented by Helen Plenty, while North Wiltshire district councillor Simon Coy will stand for the Liberal Democrats.

The Abberd seat became vacant in January when Liberal Democrat Mark Tong resigned because he was moving away from Wiltshire.

Mr Tong won the seat from Conservative Margaret Russell in May 2003, after a landslide election in favour of the Liberals.