An Italian village council has caused outrage after it erected a large road-sign at the entrance of the village warning anyone who enters to respect its 'deep Christian traditions' or leave.

Pontoglio's entry sign clearly urges anyone entering the small town of 9,000 people, to only come in if they respect its Christian values, leading some people to criticise it as being racist.

'Pontoglio, town of western culture and deep Christian tradition. People unwilling to respect local culture and tradition are invited to leave,' the sign reads.

'Pontoglio, town of western culture and deep Christian tradition. 'People unwilling to respect local culture and tradition are invited to leave,' the sign reads

The shocking sign has been defended by one councillor, named as Paolo Bocchi, who said he didn't believe it was racist.

He said that it informed anyone arriving at Pontoglio, situated near the Italian city of Brescia, that 'our culture is based on mutual respect. From women to music, art, habits and traditional rites.'

The councillor said that it was designed to provide clear 'cultural and historic information' about the small village, although many social media users have labelled it was racist.

The sign was agreed by the village's council and backed by the centre-right mayor, Alessandro Seghezzi.

Pontoglio's entry sign clearly urges anyone entering the small town of 9,000 people, to only come in if they respect its Christian values, leading some people to criticise it as being racist. It is located near Lombardy (pictured) in Brescia province

Many social media users criticised the council for the sign, describing it as 'ignorant' and 'backward'

Brescia deputy mayor Laura Castelletti questioned the wording of the new signs and the reasoning behind it's controversial statement.

Commenting on social media, Miss Castelletti said that she 'thought Italy was a secular country with no state religion and was not aware that women could be listed as part of a town's customs and traditions.'

The sign has led to an array of comments on the council's Facebook page, with some users describing the statement as like being 'back in the Middle Ages.'

In wake of the horrific terror attacks in Paris, Islamophobia has risen in Europe as far-right parties cry for the closing of borders following a recent migrant crisis.