AN HISTORIC agreement to promote racial equality in Wycombe is being signed by community leaders today.

Wycombe District Council is backing the work of Wycombe Race Equality Council (WREC) in a charter which shows how they will help support the group over the next three years.

Ranjit Dheer, director of Wycombe Race Equality Council (WREC), said it was good to see the district council working with the WREC on race issues, especially at a time of racial tensions in areas like Oldham and Burnley.

The charter includes a pledge from the council to support the WREC with funding along with working in partnership.

Mr Dheer said: "The thing is to ensure we take preventative measures so unfortunate events like in Oldham do not happen here.

"We have excellent relations with other ethnic groups in the district. We all meet regularly and seem to have our eyes and ears open to everyone in the district."

He also praised the council for its efforts in promoting equality, not just in racial matters but also equality for women and the disabled.

Mr Dheer said the funding, now over three years, rather than yearly, is helpful, adding: "The financial support the council gives us shows their support of equality."

Cllr Bill Jennings, chairman of the district council, will be at the race equality offices in High Wycombe at 12.30pm to sign the charter.

He said the signing was part of an ongoing process to ensure good relations are maintained between all sections of the community.

Cllr Jennings added: "Much has already been achieved, though work still needs to be done. This charter, backed by council funding, shows our commitment to achieving these goals. However, we have all benefited from and enjoy the diverse but harmonious nature of our community."

After the signing Cllr Jennings will go to the Green Street Centre to see how partnerships between all sections of the community work together.

Munir Hussain, chairman of the Green Street Centre Trust, will show how people have joined together to ensure services, such as the CAB, the district council, and the youth service continue at the centre.