Councillors given training after 'offensive remark' » Local Government » 24dash.com

Senior councillors in Cambridgeshire were given cultural awareness training after an "offensive remark" about travellers was made at a meeting, a local authority has said.

South Cambridgeshire District Council said it had "strengthened its Race Equality Scheme" as a result of the "incident" in December 2004.

The council said it had made "considerable progress in promoting race equality"

A spokesman said councillors had attended workshops on "traveller issues" and the council had supported local productions by a Romany theatre company.

"The incident spurred the Council to strengthen its Race Equality Scheme and its commitment to make sure that everyone - including travellers - is treated fairly and justly," he added.

"Since then, the Council has made considerable progress in promoting race equality."

The Standards Board for England investigated the comments - made by Councillor Deborah Roberts at a private committee meeting - but concluded that no disciplinary action was needed.

Councillor Roberts apologised for the remarks. The council, which has not revealed what Councillor Roberts said, has also said it was sorry for any offence caused.

Copyright Press Association 2007.