SIR According to columnist David Barnett, all those voting BNP in the local elections are "either stupid or racist" (T&A, May 2).

I'm certainly no BNP supporter but it seems clear that those who voted for them did so because of real concerns about our multicultural society, many highlighted previously by Commission for Racial Equality leader Trevor Phillips, Keighley MP Ann Cryer, Bradford's Raminder Singh MBE and others namely self-segregation.

Cultural and ethnic diversity, yes, but genuine integration and social cohesion can only be achieved by all of us speaking the same language especially in our local neighbourhoods.

This is the challenge but will political and local community leaders take it on?

Alan O'Day Scott, Gaythorne Road, West Bowling.