Members of Wandsworth Council have given the thumbs up to their colleagues and the police for their positive response to the threat of attacks against Asians and Muslims in the borough following the September 11 terrorist attacks in New York.

Councillor Sadiq Khan, deputy leader of the Labour group, asked council leader Councillor Edward Lister to join him in praising the authorities during a council meeting held last Wednesday.

Coun Lister said: "I am pleased to join with all members of the council in congratulating the police and the council on their reassuring efforts to deter racists and vandals from attacks against the Muslim and Asian communities in the borough.''

Coun Khan said he felt the authorities had taken positive steps to remain vigilant' and ensure Wandsworth continues to remain a vibrant, multicultural and multi-religious part of this country'.

He also asked what further steps and initiatives were being taken to reassure ethnic communities.

Coun Lister said Mosques and community groups had been informed that removal of racist graffiti was a top priority.

"All appropriate staff and contractors have been placed on alert to report any incidents or suspicions relating to anti-Muslim behaviour, threats or intimidation.

"Headteachers have also been asked to be especially vigilant in their schools for anything of concern and direct reporting lines to police in the area have been established."

He added: "I have written to representatives of the main Muslim and Asian communities drawing their attention to the council's concerns that they should be fully protected and telling them of the above actions that have been taken."

Council leaders and Wandsworth's Mayor Councillor Ron Smith have been visiting all the mosques in the area.

Coun Lister said as far as he was aware people in Wandsworth had not been intolerant, apart from some minor incidents and the fortunate thwarting of a group of youths acting suspiciously.

November 6, 2001 16:00