A veteran anti-racism campaigner has said a new nationalist group is a rebranded version of the British Nationalist Party (BNP) and has no place in the area.

Earlier this year For Britain announced its presence in Epping Forest with a public meeting attended by Anne Marie Waters, the party's founder and a former UKIP leadership contender.

In their number were BNP members Susan Clapp, Jeffrey Marshall, Sam Swerling, Patricia Richardson, Eddy Butler and Julian Leppert.

Last month Mr Butler - former national elections officer for the BNP - and Mr Leppert - whose run as a Redbridge councillor was marred with controversy when he arrived at meetings with a car license plated 'NA51 ZCY', the resemblance of which to 'NAZI' Mr Leppert said was coincidental - spoke to The Guardian about their plans to grow the party in Epping Forest.

While they have adopted For Britain policies such as a five year moratorium on immigration and argued for a loosening of the Forest's traffic laws, Gary Johnson, a Loughton based Stand Up To Racism activist, is not convinced they have changed their stripes.

He said: "There is no place for a party like For Britain in Epping Forest or any other community, they simply have nothing on offer for the voter.

"Their judgement on any issue is jaded by racism and Islamophobia, so they never see the true issues.

"People like Eddy Butler have always quoted that they are opposed to rules and regulations from government meddling in their everyday lives, and use a subject such as parking concerns in an attempt to break this down.

"But of course the real reason for the opposition to government rules is that it is the same government legislation that stops racists talking and conducting in a manner which suits them.

"They see it increasingly as a freedom of their speech issue."

Mr Johnson, who says a window on his house was once smashed in what he believes was a targeted attack, thinks that Epping Forest is a specific political target for For Britain.

The former Anti-Nazi League activist added: "A few years ago the BNP had six councillors around here and they are trying to recapture some of this mood.

"The area in the past has had an element of racism and fascism.

"After the war, the council here built vast estates to accommodate the housing problems caused by a high birthrate and the Blitz.

"With this influx from mainly north and east London came old prejudices common in the 40's and 50's.

"These views have now mostly evaporated away, but For Britain know in certain wards the established parties have over the years ignored the opinions of the voters and cut services, standards, amenities and benefits, which has left people angry and with the feeling that they don't have a say."

Mr Johnson urged those who opposed For Britain and nationalist factions like them to not abstain from voting but to press elected representatives, connect with different communities and get involved with local politics.

He said: "Above all I urge those concerned about the rise of the right to join a organised anti-racist body.

"There are many out there, Stand Up To Racism being one the largest and best organised."

A For Britain Epping Forest spokesperson said: "The party was formed by Anne Marie Waters who had no connection with the BNP.

"She is ex-UKIP and Labour.

"If ex-BNP members decide to join a new populist party then that is their decision.

"Unlike UKIP, For Britain does not bar ex-BNP members from joining."