POLICE are appealing to members of the Afro-Carib-bean community to join Eastleigh Borough Racial Equality Forum.

The forum, chaired by Supt Ann Wakefield, was started in May 2000 by the then Divisional Commander Supt Russell Tribe with support from the borough council.

Supt Wakefield said: "Although other ethnic minority groups are represented on the forum, there is currently no one representing the interests of the Afro-Caribbean or Chinese populations.

"According to the latest census figures, Afro-Caribbeans and Chinese are the biggest ethnic minority groups living in Eastleigh apart from Asians, yet they don't have a voice on the forum to represent them.

"We are keen to encourage support from them to enable us to ensure that all members of our community have a platform to raise and discuss issues that directly affect them."

The forum aims to:

Promote racial equality and harmony.

Provide a safe and open forum for people to raise their fears and concerns.

Promote awareness of civil rights and responsibilities within all communities living within the borough.

Provide feedback to all relevant agencies.

Create a credible, viable and sustainable local black and minority ethnic community network.

Forum member Rajni Bali said: "Since its formation, the forum has proved to be a valuable link in creating improved communication and cultural awareness between all members of the community, with members being at the forefront in initiating an Asian women's exercise class and an elders' group.

"With assistance from Hampshire Social Services, Eastleigh Communi-ty Services and the council, an Asian Welfare and Cultural Association has also been formed."

The foundations for the forum were laid when Supt Tribe, who is now Eastleigh Council's community safety manager, joined Southampton city councillor Parvin Damani to check the electoral register and sent letters to 300 homes explaining that police were looking for support for a meeting between themselves, Eastleigh council and ethnic minority groups.

The response was overwhelming.