Parents were last night accused of creating some of the problems that sparked Bradford's riots by refusing to send their children to certain schools.

Councillors said some parents created 'educational segregation' when they did not consider the quality of teaching offered at schools but simply looked at the colour of pupils' skins.

Councillor Keith Thomson (Lab, Wibsey) said at last night's special scrutiny committee meeting that segregation into white and non-white schools was not acceptable and created tensions in the community.

"Parents make preferences on the colour of people's skins," he said. "I don't think any report can help us on that.

"We have known problems exist for a long time, but the question is what are we going to do about it?

"We need to home in on the school race issue. It is as a result of parental choice. We need to stop messing around."

The committee was set up by the Council to commission a study into the background of the worst riots on mainland Britain for 20 years.

But after a three hour meeting it deferred a decision on whether a fresh study should be prepared. Members will consider in the meantime which topics should be included if it went ahead.

But it was decided that acting director of education, Phil Green, and chief execu-tive of Bradford Vision, Martin Garratt, should be invited to the next meeting.

But Coun Thomson stressed action was vital and causes included unacceptable racism in schools and a drugs culture, characterised by heroin being sold for £5 a wrap in Buttershaw.

Coun Andy Mudd (Lab, Keighley West) said a major report was commissioned following the 1995 Manningham riots.

But Coun John Briggs (Lib-Dem, Baildon) said research was necessary into why no action was taken previously.

Coun Bob Sowman (Lab, Undercliffe) said the Council should concentrate on action to remedy the problems the district was facing daily.

Officers suggested research on issues including the attitude and behaviour of young men involved in the riots.