A MUSLIM organisation has called for a Torfaen councillor to stop using "inflammatory and divisive language" which they've dubbed Islamophobic.

Last week the Argus reported that complaints were made after Pontypool councillor Mike Harris, the chairman of Torfaen council's safer communities overview and scrutiny panel, used the term “muzzy” in a post on Facebook.

He denied that the comment, posted alongside a news article on Hamas reportedly executing Israeli informers, was an anti-Muslim slur.

He claimed he was using the word as set out in the dictionary, meaning “unable to think clearly; confused”.

Yesterday (Sunday) the Muslim Council of Wales published a statement which said: "We...call for the councillor to refrain from using such inflammatory and divisive language in the future.

"We look forward to working with...the safer communities (panel) to create deeper harmony and strong bonds between ourselves and the community he represents."

Mr Kidwai told the Argus he had received phone calls about Cllr Harris' comments and felt compelled to release the statement.

"There's more important things in the world," he said. "I said it's a free country but people should have the decency to see what's appropriate and what's not, and I'm sure if he's a politician then he will appreciate why it's important not to say Islamophobic statements."

Last week a Torfaen council spokesman said they were contacted by members of the public regarding the post and have referred the public to the Public Service Ombudsman.

Individual councillors are responsible for their postings on social media and are subject to a Code of Conduct, he said.

Complaints that a councillor may have breached the Code should be made to the Ombudsman and the Ombudsman will decide whether or not to investigate.

The Ombudsman said it has not received a complaint on the issue.

The Argus contacted Cllr Harris for a comment.