RACE relations are "excellent" in Gravesham and Dartford and should be a model for racial integration across the country, according to Asian groups.

They were responding to Home Secretary David Blunkett's call for better racial integration and for communities to "root out racism and discrimination".

His comments follow a report which blamed lack of contact between racial communities for fuelling ignorance which ignited race riots in the north.

North West Kent Racial Equality Council (NWKREC) said relations in Gravesham and Dartford were healthy because community groups worked well together. Its view was backed by local Asians who said they had not encountered discrimination in the area.

Mother-of-two Lita Patni, 56, of Sirdar Strand, Gravesend, said: "I have never come across any discrimination in north Kent and neither have my two children."

Gurvinder Sandher of the NWKREC said the key to good relations was his organisation's co-operation between the local authorities.

He said: "I'm not saying race relations are perfect in north Kent but there are very few problems because we work hard to foster good links with the councils, police and other organisations."

Mr Sandher supported the introduction of citizenship classes next year.

He added: "It is important people from ethnic minorities speak English and learn about British customs and traditions and many Asians here do."

President of the Guru Nanek Sikh Temple, in Clarence Row, Gravesend, Gurdar Singh, added he had not come across any racial problems in the area.

"People here live in friendship and harmony," he said.

Gravesham council leader Rosemary Leadley agreed that community relations are strong in North Kent. She said: "But we musn't be complacent. It is important all the agencies in the region continue to work hard to make sure people get equal opportunities."

What do you think about race relations in north Kent? Call the News Shopper on 01689 885728 or e-mail Emma Coutts-Wood at ecoutts-wood@london.newsquest.co.uk

December 19, 2001 17:00