A GROUP of far right activists who spread leaflets around Barrow on Friday have been widely condemned.

Members of Patriotic Alternative said they delivered around 1,500 leaflets to areas in Barrow, drawing strong condemnation in the community.

Barrow's MP Simon Fell has led criticism of the group's actions, saying people in the town were welcoming of refugees.

The far-right group is led by Mark Collett, who appeared on a Channel 4 documentary entitled Young, Nazi and Proud and wrote a book in which he described Hitler's Nuremberg rallies as 'something that one would have been proud to be a part of'.

Leaflets posted through letterboxes in the Oxford Street area told householders to 'put British people first' and oppose 'Afghan migrants'.

Activists were also pictured bearing banners outside Barrow Town Hall that said 'Europe belongs to the European'.

Kev Thompson said: "Came through my door at 10am and it was in the bin at 10am."

Kathy Bartlett simply said: "Despicable."

Maggie Pease said: "We haven't had one yet but if they do put one through they'll be chased up the front street! I've seen refugees in Blackpool - women and children - just grateful to be able to put kids to bed and not fear being shot or blown up.

"Two world wars were fought to fight fascism, are we back there again? Disgusting."

Gheko said: "I welcome them, democracy lets me say that."

Some defended their right to spread the leaflets.

Tony Smeaton said: "If they're acting illegally in any way whatsoever then you can categorically say for sure they'd have been stopped or arrested.

"Nope, they were legally expressing their opinions and freedom of speech."

Angus MeCoatup. said: "And of course Afghanistan belongs to the Afghans, and all the British people should return to Britain from the countries they've moved to."

Tench McClure said: "Barrow. Built on three pillars. Ship building, racism, and bigotry."