A LEADING councillor has dismissed an ‘apology’ by a Conservative councillor found guilty of using racially offensive words at a public meeting.

Politicial opponents have repeated their calls for Coun Smith Benson to stand down after he was partially suspended and ordered to apologise for remarks made at a Colne Town Centre Forum.

He must also undergo training regarding his future conduct.

Coun Benson, who represents Colne’s Horsfield ward, told the forum last September: “The problem with Colne is there are too many takeaways.

"And too many P***s, that’s why people don’t come to Colne.”

But Coun Mohammed Iqbal, Labour group leader in Pendle, has condemned an apology, penned by Coun Benson, which fails to mention the Pakistani community by name.

He said: “I am disappointed that the standards committee did not censure him more strongly.

"But this was an ideal opportunity for the Conservatives to show how progressive they were and sack him.”