COTSWOLD councillors gave their unanimous support to a motion condemning hate crime at its recent full council meeting.

At the latest meeting of Cotswold District Council, held on Tuesday, September 27, at the Council Offices in Trinity Road, councillors backed the motion proposed by Councillor Jenny Forde and seconded by Councillor Nigel Robbins, deploring racism, xenophobia and hate crimes.

The leader of the authority, Councillor Lynden Stowe, had previously issued a public denunciation of hate crime in June when the EU Referendum result sparked a rise in reported incidents of verbal abuse and xenophobic threats aimed at ethnic minorities.

Cllr Stowe said: "I said back in June and I repeat now that the council will continue to support all efforts aimed at tackling hate crime and discrimination in all its forms.

"Incidents of this nature are appalling and cannot be tolerated in the Cotswolds.”

Cllr Forde was very pleased with the outcome, after councillors showed their support at the meeting.

“We received full backing for the motion and I am also delighted that we agreed to call on the government to act quickly and clarify the right to remain for EU Citizens living in the Cotswolds," Cllr Forde said.

"I know that EU citizens who are resident in the area are concerned about their future at present.”

The council's website has a page devoted to combating hate crime, which can be found at cotswold.gov.uk/residents/communities/community-safety/hate-crime.

To report hate crime incidents call the dedicated helpline for residents on 0800 077 8460, Gloucestershire Police on 101, or visit gloucestershire.police.uk and fill in the hate crime form.

Alternatively visit the Stop Hate UK website stophateuk.org, or call their helpline on 0800 138 1625.