The war of words on Sandbach town council is heating up with calls from the Labour group for Cllr David Jack to resign.

In an open letter signed by Labour town councillors, including Cheshire East leader Cllr Sam Corcoran and Sandbach mayor Cllr Geraint Price Jones, they said Cllr Jack "lacks integrity, honesty, selflessness".

The letter states: "Cllr David Jack has repeatedly breached this Code of Conduct and continues to do so on a daily basis. His use of inappropriate language, that is often discriminatory to minority groups and individuals, is unacceptable. He administrates a FB group that often uses racist language and promotes discrimination.

"He has shown that he has no respect for his fellow councillors or members of the town council staff, and has regularly sent bullying and abusive emails, as well as using defamatory language to criticise staff and councillors on social media."

Cllr Jack is currently barred from directly emailing town council staff due to the alleged behaviour, which he denies.

The Labour group also accused Cllr Jack of insulting members of the public in an "offensive and intimidating way".

The letter says: "His behaviour at public meetings is often inappropriate and disruptive, and he openly shows his contempt for the council's business by, for example, using his phone throughout meetings, reading the paper, playing the guitar, and not taking part in voting on agenda items."

The councillors added: "David Jack is totally unsuitable for public office and we believe he should step down, allowing someone else to take up his place who is willing to work for the good of the town and its residents in a way that shows respect for others and does not bring the council into disrepute."

In response to the letter, Cllr Jack said: "Of course it suits labour to call for my resignation. Their letter smacks of the contempt they have for democracy.

"As an active and hardworking councillor, I have assisted many members of the public with issues and brought forward a huge number of member's items including events, improving financial accountability, installing lifesaving equipment and tackling inefficiency at council."

Cllr Jack said it is his "duty" as a councillor to "call to account budgets that use the public purse and to challenge decisions that are not in the best interests of the taxpayers and the residents".

"I have, and I always will, call out failings and challenge those that attempt to keep silent those of us who are willing to take a stand and not be browbeaten into submission," he added.

On allegations of racism on social media, Cllr Jack said: "At no time have I ever condoned any racist behaviour or language. I have not written or commented on any racist posts. As an admin of a group, I removed many posts and banned posters of such material as soon as I was made aware of such posts."

He added that "no proof" has been provided and all standards complaints against him had been dismissed "without merit".

The independent councillor claims he and his family have been "harassed and hounded," which he says the Labour group have "remained silent" on.

He accuses the Labour group of conducting a "partisan bullying pile on" and said they should "perhaps resign themselves".

"Meantime, I will continue to work for my constituents and town and help make Sandbach grow and continue to be the nice, welcoming, friendly town we all love and know it for," Cllr Jack said.

Sandbach town council does not have the power to expel members but has taken action such as removing Cllr Jack from being the chair of any committees.