Deputy Mayor quits over "racist" Facebook posts

Welslpool’s Deputy Mayor Heather Chave has resigned following accusations that she shared racist posts on Facebook.

Town Clerk Robert Robinson issued statement saying: “Cllr 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.”

Last week Mrs Chave issued a full apology in response to complaints that Welshpool Town Council said it had receive.

“I know some of you will have seen an offensive post I shared,” said Cllr Chave (pictured). “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.”

Mrs Chave would have been standing for election as Mayor next month.