VALE of Glamorgan Mayor Fred Johnson has apologised for posting offensive images mocking the refugee crisis on Facebook.

In one online image Labour Councillor Johnson also seemed to be making fun of Barry, which he serves as a Cadoc ward councillor, when he posted a picture of fleeing refugees with the caption "Quick back in the truck, they've dropped us in Barry".

Another image shows an Egypt Air aeroplane with people stood on top and one person hanging by their neck from a wheel. The accompanying caption reads "Calais back to normal after immigrants find new route".

The images came to light just weeks after the Vale of Glamorgan council announced that they were putting aside £100,000 over the next two years to help support asylum seekers and refugees displaced by the crisis in the Middle East.

Although no official complaints have been made to council, the Facebook posts are being investigated by the Welsh Labour Group.

In a statement Mayor Fred Johnson said that he understood that some his posts may have caused offence and apologised.

"Under the circumstances I have closed my Facebook account while I review its content," he said.

Leader of the Conservative group in the Vale John Thomas said that while the images were "inappropriate" they were "meant as a joke" and shouldn't stain Councillor Johnson's character.
Councillor Thomas (St Athan) said: "It was a mistake and inappropriate for someone in Fred's position to post things like that to Facebook.


"I do think it was meant as a joke and if he has apologised and taken it down it should be left at that.
"Fred is a decent chap and a hard working councillor, I don;t think it's something that should stain his character forever more."


Leader of the Plaid Cymru group on Barry Town Council Shirley Hodges said she was concerned by reports in the wider media incorrectly referring to Councillor Fred Johnson as the Mayor of Barry.
"He's not the Mayor of Barry," she said. "He's not on the town council. I don't want to be associated with anything he's said on Facebook.


"I think he's been a plonker, he's insulted a whole range of people. It's just tacky and tasteless.
"I think someone in his position has a certain code of conduct to adhere to and he's fallen short.
"Also, being in that position is all about having pride in your community - this isn't showing pride in your community."