Police investigating former deputy mayor over Facebook posts
A former councillor and deputy mayor is being investigated by the police for alleged hate incidents.
Heather Chave resigned from Welshpool Town Council earlier this month after sharing Islamophobic posts on Facebook.
The council issued a statement saying the council does not condone such statements.
She has since resigned and now Dyfed-Powys Police has confirmed it has received complaints and is investigating it as a hate incident.
A spokeswoman for the force said: "Dyfed-Powys Police has received two complaints in relation to this. It is being treated as a hate incident and the investigation in ongoing.”
Earlier in March, the former councillor took to social media to apologise and say she was not a racist.
She said: "I know some of you will have seen an offensive post I shared.
"I wish I had never shared that post I am very sorry that I did and for the offence it caused.
"I am not a racist. I completely accept the post I shared is offensive and by sharing it, it may give a false impression of my values."
Community
The town mayor Stephen Kaye and the town clerk issued a statement on the matter, saying: "The town council is an all-inclusive council and is open and welcoming to all races, religions and backgrounds."
Days later she resigned from her position.
The town council issued a statement and said the necessary actions to fill her seat would now take place.
A statement said: "The town clerk announces that Councillor Heather Chave representing Gungrog Ward has resigned from Welshpool Town Council with immediate effect.
"The council supports Heather in her decision and hopes that the community accepts her actions in good faith. Heather has already apologised for her actions and believes that by resigning her actions will not impact on the good work and high ethics and values the council holds
"The council thanks Heather for her time and efforts during her period as a councillor and wishes her the best for the future.
"Welshpool Town Council will now move to declare the seat vacant and to carry out the necessary actions to enable a by election to be called as soon as possible."
