Liberal Democrat loser Dominic Carman used a national newspaper to describe Barnsley as 'a place where difference and diversity are not welcome'.

 

After finishing sixth in the Barnsley Central by-election last week he wrote a column in the Mail on Sunday. He wrote: "The message resonates. Barnsley is 98 per cent white. Diversity and difference are not welcome here. 

 

"Local sentiment is summarised by one man who tells me: ‘No one is gay in Barnsley. If they are, they leave'."

 

Chronicle Online goes on to the streets of town so Barnsley can hit back.

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Mr Carman told the Chronicle he stands by the article and would retract nothing if given the opportunity. He added the unpleasant comments came from a 'significant minority' and he said he had a great affection for many of the people he met. "I think the article was a fair reflection of my personal experience."

 

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For more on this story see Friday's Chronicle.

 

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