LET’S take a stand against hate crime.

That’s what Weymouth and Portland Borough Council is being urged to do following a move by one of its newest members amid reports of hate crime including racist incidents after the EU Referendum vote.

Councillor for Melcombe Regis Tia Roos is urging the borough council to make its position clear on the issue and support a motion which says racism, xenophobia and hate crimes have no place

in the country.

The motion, which will go before the full council tomorrow, adds: “We are aware that hate crimes do occur and encourage residents to contact Dorset Police if they experience or witness a hate crime.

“Our council condemns racism, xenophobia and hate crimes unequivocally. We will not allow hate to become acceptable.

“We will work to ensure that local bodies and programmes have the support and information they need to fight and prevent racism and xenophobia. We reassure all people living in this area that they are valued members of our community.”

Cllr Roos said she had received reports from residents who said they had been abused because they were foreign or from an ethnic minority.

She added: “I believe some people have used (Brexit campaign materials) to exploit a chance to verbally and physically abuse people from foreign countries and ethnic monitories. There have been problems before, but it’s

becoming more prominent now.”

It comes after a similar motion was put before Dorset County Council last week.

Cllr Andy Canning urged fellow councillors to join the fight against intolerance that has surfaced since Brexit.

His motion stated the council should reaffirm its commitment to ensure that local bodies and programmes have the support and resources needed to tackle racism and xenophobia.

Speaking at the meeting of the council, he said: “I’m shocked and horrified by the rise in hate crimes.

“I want to work together to say we don’t want hate crimes.”

Cllr Janet Dover seconded the motion and added that “we need a lot more tolerance and harmony.”

The motion was sent to the People and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee to be considered.