A HAMPSHIRE town's deputy mayor has come under fire for making a racist remark at a council meeting.

Cllr Michael Thierry made the comment while speaking about ditch clearing at a Ringwood Town Council full council meeting, where he likened enforcement action to a “n****r in a woodpile”.

He went on to apologise after reaction from other councillors who gasped saying that his comment was not intentional.

Cllr Thierry is also a councillor for Ringwood North ward on New Forest District Council.

The New Forest District Council Conservative group will discuss Cllr Thierry's conduct to see if any punishment is appropriate at its meeting in the New Year.

Cllr Thierry has been one of the leading voices campaigning for safety and traffic improvements to the A31.

The A31 through the New Forest between the end of the M27 at Cadnam and the Ashley Heath roundabout near Ringwood is one of the most notorious routes in the south.

After years of complaints and huge tailbacks the Daily Echo revealed earlier this month that the major New Forest route has been included in £15 billion investment from government to reduce congestion, a move welcomed by Cllr Thierry.

This means the road at Ringwood will be converted to three lanes.

Cllr Michael Thierry has not responded to messages left by the Daily Echo.