SUPPORT for Swindon’s stance against anti-LGBT bigotry in Poland has come in from around the world.

The borough council has said it is “watching” its Polish twin town Torun and is ready to cut ties if the city introduces a measure declaring itself an

LGBT-free zone – like 100 towns and cities, covering about a third of the country.

Cabinet member with responsibility for equalities Robert Jandy, who himself has Polish ancestry, wrote to prime minister Boris Johnson urging the government to condemn the action.

He wrote: “This has seen the creation of ‘hostile spaces’ across huge swathes of the country, serving to alienate and discriminate against the LGBT community and making intolerance official.

“I ask that the government and particularly you as our prime minister, urge the Polish government and its authorities to condemn these recent acts and to revoke all resolutions attacking LGBT rights.

“The government must show solidarity with all LGBT citizens and amplify the call to respect and protect LGBT rights across the globe.”

Coun Jandy said he has received messages of support from Poland and across the world.

He said: “I’ve had at least 50 emails – but there have been messages via social media and the story has been picked up on websites, and messages on those sites as well.”

Messages include: “I just wanted to say well done for an absolutely brilliant letter you wrote about Poland and its LGBT status. And thank you as a councillor, you are a star. We need more like you.”

Another says: “We are not forgotten. Thank you." A third reads: “I am not alone. Thank you.”

Coun Jandy said: “It’s very gratifying, especially for me, to receive these messages of support and appreciation.

“It’s particularly important to hear from people in Poland itself that they understand they are not alone in the dark, that there is a light being shone on what’s going on there.”

The council’s move came after Dutch town Nieuwegein, south of Utrecht, voted to officially cut ties with its Polish twin Pulawy, after its council declared itself an LGBT-free zone, It said it would discourage tolerance and refuse financial support to organisations promoting LGBT equality.

Coun Jandy said: “I haven’t received a response from the government yet, I’m aware the prime minister has quite a lot on his plate at the moment.”