More racist attacks are being reported in Wrexham

The study was called for by Wrexham Council following the race riots on the Caia Park housing estate in June 2003.

Five incidents were reported in July 2003, the month after the rioting, and that figure rose to 12 in February this year.

As a result of the disturbances - which involved Iraqi Kurds and local people - 51 people appeared in court, and jail sentences totalling more than 80 years were handed out.

Councillors met on Tuesday to discuss the report from Malcolm Russell, Wrexham Council's strategic director.

It outlines many recommendations for improving relations within Wrexham communities between different groups.

The Caia Park disturbances rocked the country

Included are proposals that asylum seekers and refugees should be involved in the planning of activities to promote good race relations, and that migrant workers moving to the area are monitored.

It also recommends that all racially-motivated incidents should be recorded in the same way.

"The Caia disturbances focused the attention of the national media on Wrexham and particularly the issue of racist attitudes amongst a predominantly white community," Mr Russell said.

"Racist attitudes are a reality in all communities and we have to be honest about their existence in this one."

The report also recommends that a high-profile anti-racism campaign is launched to highlight the changing nature of the community and "the dangers of racist attitudes".

Caia Park Communities First, a Welsh Assembly regeneration programme, has been addressing the problems of the estate's disturbances by encouraging people from different cultural backgrounds to mix.

"We've had multi-cultural get-togethers and we've had cuisine from different countries," a spokeswoman said.

However, Dorothy Mitchell, a volunteer with the Wrexham Asylum Seekers and Refugee Council, says more education is needed locally.

"It's only through education that we can stop racism happening," she said.

"I see children mixing with each other and there isn't any problem.

"I do know of incidents lately where people have made racial remarks but I don't want this blown out of proportion.

"I'm not saying it's typical of Wrexham - it's everywhere you go," she said.