Swastikas deface banner

A banner promoting racial unity in Nelson has been spray-painted with swastikas.

The attack on the Nelson Multi Ethnic Council banner in Bishopdale showed why the council was needed, chairman Ian Barker said.

"This just highlights, even in good old Nelson, that we still need to be vigilant, and the message the Nelson Multi Ethnic Council is trying to get out is to live peacefully and harmoniously together. This is just another example of why we need to keep this message in front of people."

The banner was cleaned yesterday.