by Sam Lennon

Three leading councillors have called for the resignation of a colleague accused of making racist remarks on Facebook.

And the explosive comments by Cllr Jack Woodford will now be investigated internally by Ashford Borough Council.

Ashford Mayor John Holland, deputy leader Paul Bartlett and Cabinet member Neil Bell have all demanded Cllr Woodford steps down after he told an Asian man to "get back to washing dishes in a curry house".

Cllr Woodford has refused to resign but is prepared to apologise. On Friday afternoon he said: "I am not resigning. I was elected by the people of Wye and my responsibility is to them.

"It was a foolish mistake and I regret it. I should have bitten my tongue. I would like to apologise completely to the people of Wye for the embarrassment I have caused, to the people of Ashford and to the council."

Audio: Cllr Neil Bell tells kmfm why he thinks Cllr Woodford should resign

Cllr Woodford, a farmer and Ashford Independent group member, had been for several months contributing to Facebook's Stop the BNP debate. He posted his remarks on June 18 as tempers had risen in the exchange and British-born Nunu Amin had called him a racist and used swear words against him.

He lashed out to Mr Amin: "Just get back to washing dishes in whatever curry house you work in. Have you thought of emigrating back to India or Pakistan?"

Cllr Woodford has stressed he is not racist, does not support the BNP and had voted for UKIP when the far right party won seats in the Euro Elections in June.

Ashford Borough Council said its Code of Conduct for members only applies when they are acting in an official capacity and Cllr Woodford's comments were not made in those circumstances.

But it is still referring the matter to its standards committee "for further consideration".

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