Police have spoken to the proprietor of a New Forest Bed and Breakfast after parish councillors complained that his sign, which read ‘poofters welcome here’, was offensive.

The sign was placed outside the New Forest Bed and Breakfast in Lyndhurst, Hampshire, apparently in response to a court ruling, which stated that a Christian husband and wife had acted unlawfully when they refused to allow a homosexual couple to stay at their guesthouse in Cornwall.

Mike Saqui, who runs the Penny Farthing Hotel on the main route through the village, has become well -known locally for posting light-hearted and topical comments on his sign, but some parish councillors clearly felt that on this occasion he had gone too far.

Councillor Mark Rolle told a meeting of the council that he found the sign offensive saying: "The realms of decency were overstepped – we could be branded a village of bigots."

However, Councillor Leonard Cornell stepped in to defend the New Forest Bed and Breakfast, saying: "It’s not offensive, it’s a fact. On its website it is listed as gay friendly."

The sign would fall foul of public order legislation if a person who read it felt insulted or suffered harassment, alarm or distress as a result.

After all, the term ‘poofter’ originated as derogatory slang term to describe a homosexual man; although in recent years, some in the gay community have sought to ‘reclaim’ the term to nullify its perceived venom.

Speaking to the Daily Telegraph the New Forest Bed and Breakfast owner was unrepentant saying: "This is just a storm in a teacup and the parish council has overreacted.

"I can’t believe the police were sent round to have a word either, it’s a ridiculous waste of their time." He added.

Tom Charles, a local motorist said: "I drive past that Bed and Breakfast in the New Forest all the time and have often had a chuckle at what was written on the board while waiting in traffic.

"I don’t know what the problem is; it’s political correctness gone mad if you ask me. " He added.

A spokesperson for Hampshire police confirmed that police had spoken with the management of the New Forest Bed and Breakfast about the issues raised.

There is a huge choice of Bed and Breakfasts across the New Forest. Situated on the doorstep of the Solent and the New Forest, Tower Hall B&B provides sumptuous and elegant bed and breakfast and self-catering accommodation within a relaxed and informal setting. Guests can explore and enjoy the wealth of activities that the New Forest has to offer from this unique and historic base in Sway, Lymington.

Check out Tower Hall New Forest Bed and Breakfast by clicking the link.