The woman, who used the pen name Maria Charles, has complained to Tory party bosses after Coun Simon Renwick, portfolio holder for culture and tourism, repeatedly used the insult during a heated e-mail exchange.

'Ashamed'

The pair traded views after Maria – who wants to remain anonymous following the row – wrote a strongly worded message to the Wesham councillor saying he should be "ashamed" of the closure of St Annes pool.

The pool, which finally closed its doors on Thursday, was shut by council chiefs to save more than £700,000 over the next two years.

Coun Renwick claimed the Fylde taxpayer had made a "bigoted comment based on ignorance" while criticising a new £40,000 skate park in Wesham.

Maria, who Coun Renwick threatened with police action following the exchange, wrote to Coun Renwick after receiving an e-mail sent to constituents about the skate park.

She replied saying the money should have instead been spent keeping the St Annes baths open.

She said: "I am really angry about it. I know I am not a bigot. Swimming is something everybody can do. All I wanted to do is keep the pool open, not get involved in politics.

"I was really upset about being threatened with the police. I have never been in any kind of trouble before.

"I'm just not that kind of person."

Coun Renwick made the accusation after Maria said she "dreaded" to think about the activities that would happen at the skate park and said it would only be used by a minority of people.

Coun Renwick said: "This was a robust response to a robust e-mail.

"She was particularly derogatory to young people.

"I believe there was a certain amount of bigotry in her response. I can understand she is upset about St Annes baths.

"We are all sad about the pool being closed but it can't stop other activities for young people being pursued."

If a formal complaint is made, the exchange – which lasted for six days last month - would be analysed by a Fylde Council standards sub-committee.

A council spokesman said: "The sub committee, which include independent lay people and parish representatives, considers whether complaints about councillors should be referred for formal investigation."

The email

Maria: "I think this is disgusting when St Annes pool is about to be closed – you should be ashamed of yourself."

Coun Renwick: "Tell me please why I should be ashamed of myself. What is shameful is spending £500,000 a year on a pool
no-one uses. What is shameful is a government that won't allow us to raise the money we need."

Maria: "How will you know how many people use your skatepark...
I dread to think of the type of activities that usually occur around places like that."

Coun Renwick: "I would so like to show you how you are wrong, but I have limited patience for bigots."