Reports of unkind, racially motivated comments in playgrounds have led to Deal Town Council sending out a message of support and reassurance to residents from the EU.

It follows last month’s Brexit vote and reiterates the Deal town motto: Welcome the Stranger.

At the latest full council meeting, on July 19, Cllr Ben Bano proposed a motion to adopt a statement in support of migrants but, although it was carried, it was not unanimous.

Cllr Trevor Bond was one of five to abstain.

He said: “Passing this will get people to think that there’s a problem out there. All the people that I’ve spoken to don’t say there is a problem.”

Cllr Louise Butler withheld her vote, too. She said: “I admire that you care so much for the people in this town but I will be abstaining for personal reasons.”

Cllr Wayne Elliott said: “I would have thought that every councillor sitting here should have a duty of care to all of the people in the town."

The statement proposed by Cllr Bano reads:

“In the wake of the EU referendum this council wishes to reassure our fellow residents from the EU and their families who make such an important contribution to our community and the local economy of our support and welcome at this uncertain time. We are also mindful of the need to keep welcoming visitors from the EU who make such a significant contribution to our local economy.”

Cllr Bano said it was important to reassure people.

He said: “There were all sorts of reactions during the campaign and after the vote had been taken.

“Reports from schools say our children, be they Polish or Slovakian, have had very unpleasant things said to them. Some families feel very insecure.

“It comes from a tiny minority, but that minority need to have a clear signal that we promote, welcome and tolerate people from the EU. After all, our town motto is Welcome the Stranger.”