Singer-songwriter and political activist Billy Bragg has been the target of anonymous hate mail sent to his neighbours in Burton Bradstock, Dorset. Up to 30 residents received typed letters accusing Bragg of hypocrisy for enjoying a wealthy lifestyle while holding socialist views.
Simon Holdcroft, who runs the village post office, described the letters as a 'racist rant' against Bragg. 'It wasn't overly aggressive and didn't include death threats but it wasn't nice,' he said. 'The letter claimed he was anti-British, pro-immigration and called him the village fool.'
Bragg believes the letters are the work of a disgruntled British National Party (BNP) supporter. 'It is clear from the content that this anonymous letter has been written by a disgruntled supporter of the BNP,' he said. 'I have campaigned against the Tories in West Dorset for the past 10 years, but they have never stooped so low as to randomly circulate hate mail.'
Bragg has lived in Burton Bradstock for 11 years and is known for his community work. He urged recipients to bin the letters, stating: 'This pathetic attempt at intimidation reminds voters that the BNP are not like any other political party – their methods betray them.'
