FOUR candidates, including a member of the far-right British National Party, are vying to become Hyndburn's newest councillor in the Great Harwood Overton ward by-election.

Among the nominees are three ex-councillors and care worker Carrie Cassidy, who represents the BNP. They are bidding to fill ex-Tory Mayor Winifred Frank-land's seat after her resignation last month.

All the hopefuls said they would concentrate on "bread and butter issues" in their campaigns.

Susan Shorrock, of Delph Road, Great Harwood, was a Labour councillor for two years until she lost her Netherton ward seat in May 2004.

Outlining her policies to the Observer, she said: "I'll be looking at everyday issues such as problems of fly-tipping and potholes in the roads.

"I'm currently a Lanc-ashire county councillor and am very used to helping people sort out problems. The campaign has gone well so far and voters have been positive. But you can't tell for sure until polling's over."

Conservative Roy Atkin-son, 70, of Park Road, Great Harwood, bidding to retain the seat for his party, said: "I was a Netherton councillor from 2000 to 2002. Great Harwood has had improvements but it needs more. I've lived in the town for more than 50 years and I love it and will fight for it."

Mum-of-two Miss Cassidy, 31, of Spring Hill Road, Accrington, said: "There is great need for improvement in the town centre. I'd push for more neighbourhood wardens for Great Harwood because there are problems of littering and also nuisance in public places. I'm told people take drugs near the war memorial.

"The feedback I've had has been good and no-one has been rude, although those who are against the BNP always will be against us."

Liberal Democrat Bill Greene, of Burns Avenue, Oswaldtwistle, was a councillor on Fylde Borough Council for 15 years before he moved to Hyndburn. Last month he stood as a parliamentary candidate in the borough.

He said: "Great Harwood needs real representation to win more resources. We must ensure residents' voices are heard, that businesses continue to flourish and that more facilities are located in Great Harwood."

The by-election will be held on Thursday 30 June.