A councillor has issued a 'sincere and unequivocal apology' after an investigation found she was in breach of the code of conduct for using a racial slur and labelling another councillor as a 'liar.'

Lyme Regis Town Councillor Cheryl Reynolds has said while she apologised for the matters at the time, she wishes to repeat and reinforce her apologies now that a four-month investigation into her conduct has come to an end.

In a statement, Cllr Reynolds said: "Whilst most of the allegations have been dismissed by the independent investigator, two, about not treating others with respect by my use of inappropriate language at meetings of Lyme Regis Town Council, have been upheld.

"I apologised for these matters immediately at the time but wish to repeat and reinforce my sincere and unequivocal apologies to those directly affected, to the town and to anyone else who may have been upset or offended by my use of language; which I accept was entirely wrong and unacceptable."

Cllr Reynolds used the n-word during a town council meeting in April 2018.

The town council said the derogatory term was used ‘in the context of a formerly-used phrase’ and that Cllr Reynolds issued a written apology to her fellow councillors the following morning.

But a formal complaint was made against Cllr Reynolds in November when further accusations were made about her conduct. It came after fire chief Virgil Turner raised concerns over the teen shelter on Anning Road after his young son, allegedly, found drugs on the playing field. Mr Turner claimed Cllr Reynolds accused him of planting them there to highlight issues surrounding the shelter. The council had previously agreed to remove the shelter after reports of anti-social behaviour.

Mr Turner, alongside district and county councillor Daryl Turner - both of whom are Cllr Reynolds' brothers - submitted a formal complaint to West Dorset District Council’s monitoring officer and an investigation was carried out by independent person Tim Darsley.

He found Cllr Reynolds to be in breach of the code of conduct for for using the n-word and for calling fellow town councillor Brian Larcombe a 'liar' in June 2018. She was found not to be in breach of other claims made against her.

In her statement, Cllr Reynolds said: "I have no desire to hide or cover up anything concerning this matter and a copy of the decision notice concerning the complaint can be viewed on the town council’s website. Alternatively, a hard copy can be obtained from the offices of Lyme Regis town council.

"Since these issues first arose, I have taken the initiative to enrol myself on appropriate training and I genuinely hope and believe that I have learnt from my mistakes.

Throughout this very difficult period, I have continued to work tirelessly for the town in every way I can, for local residents, businesses, visitors and, especially, young people.

"I hope I will continue to have the privilege of serving everyone to the very best of my ability in future."