FEARFUL the borough could become a terrorist target, Labour party members met with international development secretary Clare Short MP on Tuesday.

Prompted by resident concern, Spelthorne Labour group members, Stanwell councillors Pam and John Smith, cllr Majory Martin from Ashford and Spelthorne Labour party member Harold Trace raised their fears to the minister at a meeting in Woking.

Labour spokesman Harold Trace said: "The attacks on September 11 were crimes. The suspects must be apprehended, using force as necessary, and brought to trial.

"Quite apart from the principle of justice, Spelthorne's own self-interest is involved. Heathrow, our motorways and reservoirs are attractive targets for terrorists.

"They shouldn't forget that we've already had the IRA firing mortars over our roads.

"Many members are uneasy at the suggestion of adding to the number of taxation-funded faith schools in Britain, seeing them as sources of misunderstanding and intolerance.

"We can understand the logic and can see no reason why there shouldn't be equal representation of faith schools but we are afraid they may be slightly divisive."

Members will also push for greater humanitarian aid to be sent to communities struck by the war against terrorism.