MORE than 3,500 people have signed two petitions calling for Conservative councillor Rosemary Carroll to quit.

The Earby representative was reinstated this month as the party regained control of Pendle Borough with her vote confirming its majority,

Cllr Carroll had been suspended by the Tories last summer for sharing on social media a 'racist' joke and given diversity training.

A change.org petition started by Joshua Connor of Cross Street, Nelson and endorsed by Labour Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell demanding 'Resign Cllr Rosemary Carroll' has been signed by more than 3,500 people.

A similar document produced by anti-racist organisation Hope Not Hate has been signed by hundreds of people.

Pendle Conservative Group leader Cllr Paul White said: “It was well publicised in August 2017 what Rosemary’s punishment would be and there was no uproar from the Labour Party at that time.

"As far as I am concerned, this matter has been dealt with. Rosemary Carroll has served the punishment handed to her back in August 2017. We are getting on with the important job of improving Pendle.”

Cllr White added: "Rosemary Carroll has maintained that she thought she was deleting a post that had appeared on her news feed and that these are views she has never held. She has served her suspension and therefore rejoined the Conservatives prior to the election."