The far-right British National Party is planning to field at least three candidates in the next Hertsmere Council elections.

Reports that the party, labelled dangerous extremists by many, is attempting to spread its influence have prompted consternation from many in the community.

BNP activists have so far dropped 3,000 campaign leaflets through letterboxes across Borehamwood in an attempt to garner support ahead of elections next year.

And they plan to deliver to a further 10,000 homes as they attempt to spread a far-right message, which many campaigners believe hides a racist agenda.

A spokesman for the campaign group United Against Fascism warned: "The BNP is a fascist organisation not a legitimate political party.

"It is a racist organisation which calls for an all-white Britain. We urge the majority of people in Britain to get out and vote to stop the BNP.

"They are trying to portray themselves as a legitimate party but if you scratch the surface they are thoroughly racist."

Jewish leaders in one of the areas targeted in Borehamwood expressed concern about the presence of the BNP.

"The community should be vigilant as to the true agenda of the BNP," said Rabbi Alan Plancey, of the Borehamwood and Elstree United Synagogue, in Croxdale Road.

"I would like to know who they represent, what they stand for and when their really questionable policies will be revealed."

Another resident of Croxdale Road, who wished to remain anonymous, feared their extreme policies on immigration would stir up racial tension.

He said: "At the end of the day it's a democracy and it's hard to think one of them might get in.

"But it's a very mixed community around here. There are Hindus, Muslims, Tamils, Jews and Christians.

"Everyone gets on, but you get that lot in here and they'll stir things up - start turning people against each other."

Avi Hotter, 24, manager of Just Kosher supermarket on Croxdale Road, hoped the BNP would fail to win seats.

"It's better without them," he said. "I'm not going to let it rule my life, but I hope they don't get in."

The BNP, which won a seat on neighbouring Broxbourne Council in 2003, countered claims they were Nazis or fascists, arguing their strong line on ending immigration would protect British culture and cut taxes.

Spokesman Dr Phill Edwards said: "We should look seriously at whether a multicultural Britain is in the interests of the country. We are up for a debate on this. All of this uncontrolled third world immigration makes for a crime ridden Britain.

"A lot of people label us Nazis and fascists, but what we stand for is maintaining the culture of Britain - the British identity of white European people.

"There are people in Britain who are black but they are not as British as us.

"They are still essentially African. They still behave as though they are living in those countries.

"If you look at Asians who have been here for three generations, they are still susceptible to diseases which emanate from Asia.

"If people think we are trying to stir up trouble they are wrong. We are trying to calm things down."

BNP regional organiser Conrad Mason said candidates were being assessed from a pool of 33 hardcore Borehamwood activists.

"We are looking at fielding candidates in Borehamwood," said the 53-year-old social worker. "At the moment we haven't chosen anyone.

"We have to check their backgrounds, get to know them and find out what they are about - we don't want to field candidates with criminal records."

The party are yet to decide which wards they intend to fight and are currently trying to win public support for their policies. However, if they manage to gain a foothold in Borehamwood, they hope to spread their campaign further.

Mr Mason added: "Once we've gauged the support in Borehamwood, we will fan out into Radlett and eventually into Edgware and Barnet."