A VETERAN councillor looks set to face the axe after being barred from a council meeting and stripped of his chairmanship of a committee after being accused of racism.

According to sources Mill Hill Tory Councillor John Hart was banned from last night's full council meeting where he was stripped of the chairmanship of the Hendon area forum.

It follows an allegation of racism by Sri Lankan Labour activist Nagus Narunthira, who said Cllr Hart imitated and mocked her accent at the last meeting on January 18.

She has now made a formal complaint to the council's monitoring officer, who will launch an investigation into the allegations.

Cllr Hart, who served from 1982-1994 and was then re-elected in 2006, said it was meant as a joke, not to cause offence, but could lose the party whip if the allegation is proven.

Barnet Council leader Councillor Lynne Hillan said: "An allegation concerning Cllr John Hart has been received by the monitoring officer. Whilst the matter is being investigated we cannot comment.

"However we are proud of Barnet's record in community cohesion in this diverse borough. Cllr Hart has resigned as Chairman of Hendon Residents Forum whilst the case is considered."