The mayor has since apologised for his comments.

"When I said Beirut I made a mistake," he said. "I meant Blackpool."

He was probably on about the chap arrested for terrorism there on October 13. If that isn't anti-social behaviour, I don't know what is

why did he apoligise? be a man stand up for what you said - you said what you thought to be correct!

dont let these people push you around this country won two world wars so this world could be a better place you know!

The issue is that Mr Hothersall made the comments on a national radio show in his role as mayor!!! What he thinks in private is his own concern but in his capacity as mayor he should be promoting the whole of Penwortham in a positive manner - not just picking and choosing the bits of it he likes and denigrating the rest!! Also his comments will affect the whole of Penwortham in a negative way and will have long reaching consequences. If his comments are correct that the Kingsfold councillor was the person to make the Beirut comparison then this councillor cannot possibly continue to represent the Kngsfold ward. It's a complete outrage. How can any of the Kingsfold residents trust this councillor to act on their concerns if this person has such a low opinion of the area. We live in a democratic state and everyone is entitled to their opinion but if you have such a negative view of an area and its residents , please then dont be such a hypocrite and set yourself up as the residents' representative under the guise of councillor!!!