RESIDENTS in the New Forest are demanding the dismissal of a village firefighter who is a member of the far right British National Party (BNP).
Protesters have launched a petition urging Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service to sack Leading Firefighter Ian Johnson, who stood as a BNP candidate in last month's Euro elections.
Campaigners have the backing of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), which is also calling for 53-year-old Mr Johnson to be dismissed.
Protest leader Ann Fannin said: "We're alarmed to have among us a BNP member who is also a firefighter."
Lud Ramsey, chairman of the Hampshire branch of the FBU, joined residents in Brockenhurst on Saturday and helped collect signatures for the petition.
Mr Johnson, of Fathers Field, said he wanted to remain in his job and denied reports of friction at the fire station.
"The fire service are happy with me staying on," he said.
"I do the best I can for everyone, regardless of their skin colour."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article