UKIP councillor accused of racism for saying Chinese firm would turn library into takeaway
A UKIP councillor has been accused of racism after saying a Chinese construction firm planned to turn a library into "the biggest takeaway this city has ever seen".
Ukip Councillor Jack Clarkson was accused of racism after remarks about a Chinese firm
Councillor Jack Clarkson said plans to turn the library into a five-star hotel were a "sham" and said officials had no idea what the building could be used for.
Asked by a fellow councillor to withdraw the remarks Mr Clarkson refused to do saying: "No I won't. It could be the biggest Chinese takeaway the city has ever seen."
Mr Clarkson made the comments during a meeting of Sheffield City Council, South Yorkshire, where the plans were being discussed.
He said: "It could be the biggest Chinese takeaway this city has ever seen or it could be a five-star hotel, who knows?"
It could be the biggest Chinese takeaway the city has ever seen
His comments were labelled "unbelievably offensive" and "outrageous" by Labour councillor Jack Scott, who is responsible for the city's libraries.
Mr Scott then asked Cllr Clarkson to withdraw the remark.
Mr Clarkson said: "No I won't. It could be the biggest Chinese takeaway the city has ever seen."
Mr Clarkson refused to apologise for his comments
He was then asked again by Lord Mayor Denise Fox, who was chairing the meeting, to withdraw the "racist remark".
Mr Clarkson said: "I didn't intend it to be a racist remark. I don't feel it is a racist remark. There was no offence intended to the Chinese community or anybody.
"It is what the majority of Sheffield people talk like. If that is offensive, then I'm sorry. I think because I'm a Ukip councillor, you are making a meal of this."
The statements were condemned by a Labour councillor and by Lord mayor Denise Fox
His comments were also condemned by Rebecca Gransbury, who had launched a petition to save the central library.
She said her petition, which has been signed by 10,000 residents, had been carefully worded "to avoid the kind of horrible comments from this gentleman".
The council said they will re-home the library if the site is sold to the Sichuan Guodong Construction company.