LEDBURY Town Council is being called on to formally endorse a motion pledging opposition to racism and support for inclusion.

The calls come after a candle-lit vigil was held in Ledbury earlier this month to show support for victims of racism, in the light of heightened tensions following the Brexit vote and a report to police of one incident of “alleged racially aggravated verbal abuse” in the town following the referendum.

Herefordshire Council has already endorsed the motion and Ledbury Town Council says this endorsement covers the whole county.

But the town council is coming under pressure to make its own endorsement as a “positive statement which would help raise public awareness and understanding”.

The statement which the town council is being asked to endorse has been shaped by town and county councillor Liz Harvey and states: “I call upon this council to resolve that:

“This council wishes to state unequivocally that Ledbury welcomes people from all walks of life - and will continue to do so.

“We want Ledbury to be known for being a diverse and tolerant community. Unkind speech and acts of prejudice have no place in our parish.

“This council continues to promote and celebrate difference and we condemn all forms of racism, xenophobia and hate crime.

“We encourage respect for one another in all that we say and do, and wish to reassure all people visiting and living in this area that they are welcome and valued members of our community.”

Cllr Harvey requested the motion be placed on the agenda for the full Ledbury Town Council meeting on Thursday, July 21.

But the town clerk and mayor decided it was 'not an appropriate agenda item' after taking independent advice.

Despite not being an official agenda item, the motion was discussed at the meeting.

During public participation, Southend resident, Steve Betts asked that the matter should become a future agenda item for a Ledbury Town Council meeting.

But Ledbury’s mayor, Cllr Debbie Baker, said that Herefordshire Council had “already adopted the statement on behalf of the county”.

Mr Betts said, by way of reply: “At times such as now, would it not be helpful to make a positive statement which would help raise public awareness and understanding?”

Town and county councillor, Andrew Warmington, said the statement being requested would be “specific to Ledbury”.

He said: “It would show that unkind speech has no place in our parish. In this case, the council speaks for the town. This issue will come back.”

Southend resident, Gill Betts said: “I think it sends out a very bad message if the statement is not put out. We have a lot of people who are immigrants working here.”

More than 100 people turned out to support the vigil in Ledbury, which took place on Thursday, July 7.