A Polish care company boss who was also a Penrith town councillor has bowed out of public life after highlighting negative comments from Brexit supporters about “foreigners”.

Mariusz Waluk has served on the council over the last year.

In a heartfelt open letter he heaps praise on his council colleagues, spelling out how they work tirelessly for the good of the community.

But Mr Waluk, whose company Gaudium employs 15 people and provides community and day care for the elderly, says what made his mind up about resigning from the council were anti-foreigner comments from some Brexit supporters after the June 23 referendum.

He writes: “My decision was finalised after the Brexit vote when comments arose from various leave supporters who expressed disappointment that all foreigners were not being made to leave the very next day, and similar sentiments.

“I have lived in the UK for over 10 years now and currently work with English, Scottish, Irish and French nationalities and as such hope other people can grow to understand that race, religion or creed pale into insignificance against strength of character and a genuine, honest and hard-working personality.”

Elsewhere in the letter, Mr Waluk stresses his decision has nothing to do with the council or its councillors.

“To have worked alongside them has been a real honour and every single member contributes in an important way,” writes Mr Waluk.

He singles out the authority's clerk, her deputy, as well as Mayor David Whipp and his deputy Scott Jackson for particular praise.

He points out that he hopes now to devote more time to his family, his work and his studies for a doctorate degree.

But he adds: “I have been saddened that the community [nationally] seems to now be divided when it needs more than ever to work together as although many people did not wish for this outcome of the referendum, it is now our duty to make the best of the lot we have been given and use it as an opportunity to improve the country for the better, not worse...

“I feel that someone who can spend more time on the council and focus on the issues there will be of greater benefit to the community, and it would not be fair for the town for me to continue to keep the position when another may be able to make a greater difference.

“I will miss the time I have spent with the other councillors and wish the council all the best for the future.

“It is with great sadness that I leave but I have no doubt that the remaining councillors will continue to make great improvements for Penrith with the dedication that they always have.”

Mr Whipp said he was saddened by Mr Waluk's resignation, pointing out that he had done good work for the council and town in recent months.

He added: “I've had a couple of people - particularly those from eastern Europe – who said they are really concerned about what might happen now.

“Personally, I'd say that this country was not built necessarily on the efforts of the indigenous population alone.

"The M6 would not have been built if it hadn't been for the Irish workers coming to this country.

“And the Lake District's hotels would close if they didn't have people coming here from eastern Europe to work in them.

"As a town council, we support everyone in the community and it doesn't matter where they are from.”

In Penrith, 53 per cent of the voters who cast a ballot were in favour of leaving leaving the European Union.