A councillor has caused controversy by claiming he would like to "ban equal rights fascists".

Conservative Chris Irvine, who represents Peninsula ward, posted a series of messages on his Twitter account giving his reaction to a story about a car wash only offering discounts to female customers.

USA Hand Car Wash, which has branches in Chartham and Canterbury, is in hot water over the promotion.

After reading the article Cllr Irvine, who also works in the office of Rochester and Strood MP Mark Reckless, wrote: "Let's ban cheap hair cuts for pensioners as well! It's obviously ageist.

"Seriously, some people have way too much time on their hands. Load of bloody nonsense as always. Happy if we could ban equal rights fascists.

"Let me spell it out - the World is NOT equal! We are all NOT equal! Some do get preferential treatment, It's a fact of life. Get over it."

He then posted a link to a YouTube video of the song "Get Over It" by The Eagles. It includes the lyrics: "Get over it, Get over it, All this whinin' and cryin' and pitchin' a fit, Get over it, get over it."

His comments sparked anger. Disability campaigner Sue Groves planned to make a formal complaint to Medway Council, but later accepted a public apology from Cllr Irvine.

"It’s completely unacceptable," she said before the apology.

"The statements he made were very sweeping. To be tarred with that brush is disgusting. I’m just very angry."

In response to Mrs Groves, Cllr Irvine stressed he was referring specifically to the car wash story, and not making a general point.

He wrote: "I think vexatious claims such as the one highlighted is the real problem. Undermines important work by people like yourself.

"But happy to apologise if my point has been misconstrued. Thought it was quite clear."

After Mrs Groves contacted the council he wrote: "Thanks to everyone for comments today. Just to clarify, no personal offence was intended in relation to my comments on car wash story.

"However, in my political view said story highlights manner in which struggle for true equality has been eroded and trivialised."

[Poll - Cllr Irvine tweets poll]