Welshpool deputy mayor says she is not racist after sharing offensive social media post

Councillor Heather Chave, who is deputy mayor of Welshpool Town Council, made her comments after the town council released a statement saying it did not condone posts of a racialist nature.

A post was shared on Facebook by Councillor Chave, however it is not known what it contained and has since been removed.

On Facebook on Tuesday, the deputy mayor addressed the issue.

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."

On Monday, the mayor, Councillor Stephen Kaye, and clerk, Robert Robinson, issued a joint statement after a number of complaints had been made to the council.

The statement said: "Welshpool Town Council has received a number of complaints about a Facebook post shared by a town councillor which is considered to be of a racialist nature.

Welcoming

"The town council wishes to make it clear that such statements are not made on their behalf and that the council does not condone such statements.

"The town council is an all-inclusive council and is open and welcoming to all races, religions and backgrounds."

In January 2018 Councillor Chave was given a written warning by the town council following a 'strongly worded' Facebook post criticising fox hunting.

It followed her participation, along with another town councillor at a protest against the Boxing Day Hunt meeting in Welshpool.

The council had received a number of letters of complaint and support about their participation in the demonstration.

A complaint about Councillor Chave was passed on to the public services ombudsman.