Lancashire council uses cartoon strip to draw local ethnic groups together

The cartoon strips, published in three local papers by Pendle council, are intended to help dispel racial myths and improve understanding of different cultures, ages and backgrounds in a “friendly but funny way”.

The idea came about after local people said the racial divide between white and Asian communities – heightened during the 2001 race riots in nearby Burnley – was a key problem.

The cartoon strip, “Myths over Pendle”, is drawn by Private Eye cartoonist Peter Rigg, who lives in the neighbouring town of Nelson.

The title was inspired by the Robert Neill novel Mist over Pendle about the Pendle witch trials in the 17th century. Each episode is to feature anonymous local characters who discuss local issues or enact anecdotes about racial stereotyping.

Rigg said: “It’s always good to try to laugh at ourselves and I hope that Myths over Pendle will help us all to do that, while opening our eyes a little bit more about the place we live in.”

Even those councillors who were doubtful about whether the cartoon could really help to bridge racial divides have been won over by the scheme.

Mohammed Iqbal, Labour councillor for Bradley, said: “To begin with I didn’t really think it would attract attention. But surprisingly it’s gone down very well. I’ve been talking to old and young people from my community and they think it’s really good.”

Iqbal said the cartoon approaches cultural understanding in an innovative way and that similar projects should be rolled out across the country.

Anthony Beckett, Conservative councillor for Barrowford, added: “People of all ages like to read comic strips and this one has gone down well. It draws attention to community issues in a light-hearted way.”

The council received £5000 from East Lancashire Together, an alliance of local authorities, public bodies and community groups, to run the cartoon for six months.

The money will also be used to fund a series of workshops at which residents will be able to discuss the cartoons and make suggestions for future topics they can cover.

Alan Davies, leader of Pendle council, said: “The cartoons are a wonderful way of looking at the vital issue of community cohesion in a creative and enjoyable way.”