WYCOMBE'S three prospective parliamentary candidates have put it in writing that they will not exploit racial prejudice to get votes at the next election.

Paul Goodman (Conservative), Chauhdry Shafique (Labour) and Dee Tomlin (Lib Dem) talked together for the first time at Wycombe Racial Equality Council offices in Desborough Road, High Wycombe, on January 30, and signed Free Speech and Race Relations in a Democratic Society.

This is a document published by the Commission for Racial Equality which lays down rules for good practice for candidates saying that although electioneering can get tough and free speech is important, candidates must not exploit racial issues.

Paul said he was delighted to restate his party's unequivocal condemnation of racism.

"Many people in Wycombe, from all backgrounds, feel themselves threatened by this evil. In many, though not all cases, these fears are amply justified," he said.

Chauhdry said it should go without saying there should be no racism during the election but he was pleased the three had got together to do the signing in a non party-political way.

The signing was arranged by WREC director Ranjit Dheer after Paul asked to visit their headquarters.

Dee said she grew up in Southall and was used to having neighbours from other cultures and understood a diverse community. Different cultures had a lot to learn from one another, she said.

She added: "I feel we need a more holistic approach and to be inclusive."

With the three candidates were the chairman of WREC, Alain Larche, vice-chairman Munir Hussain, director Ranjit Dheer, welfare officer Shahid Akhtar, plus Wycombe Conservative Association chairman John Preece and the leader of the Labour group on the county council, Trevor Fowler.