HEYSHAM South residents are being urged to turn out in force next week to vote in a crucial city council by-election.

The call comes from local politicians angered by the arrival of a candidate for the controversial England First Party in the ward.

A joint statement issued by the Labour, Liberal Democrat and Green parties says: "Whatever our own differences we are determined that racial politics should have no place in the Lancaster and Morecambe district."

The by-election - to be held next Thursday, February 26 - follows the resignation of Morecambe Bay Independent Cllr Shirley Reid.

Only 24 per cent of voters turned out at the last poll in the Heysham South ward. A low turnout like that could let the England First Party in through the back door', say mainstream candidates.

The candidates are: Kenneth Brown (Conservative), Darren Keith Clifford (Labour), Christopher Michael Greenall (Morecambe Bay Ind), Terence William Haldren Taylor (Liberal Democrat), Paul Antony Bamford (England First) and Ashley Toms (Green Party).