CALLS are being made for elected politicians to get "mandatory training" on sex abuse after Councillor Alan Amos' controversial rape comments.

The former Worcester mayor is also being urged to make a donation to a rape support charity and visit a centre in person following the furore.

As the Worcester News reported last week, Councillor Amos said rape allegations are "easy to make" before later apologising once it hit the press.

But Councillor Richard Udall, who chairs the Labour group at Worcestershire County Council, says the apology is "worthless" unless he goes further.

"I welcome the apology Alan Amos has given, however that should not be the end of the situation," he said.

"His comments caused serious offence and harmed many people who have been victims of rape, domestic abuse and sexual violence.

"He and other councillors need to learn they simply cannot say such things and get away with a simple apology.

"He's an experienced politician, he should have known the consequences of his comments and been much more careful.

"An apology will mean nothing unless it is backed up with action."

He added that all councillors should now get mandatory training on the issue, and that Councillor Amos should "make a financial contribution to a rape support charity" and visit one in person.

Councillor Amos has not responded to requests for a comment, other than his apology where he insisted it was "never my intention to offend".

In his statement he said his only intention was to "shine further light" on the topic, stating that he "fully supports the victims of rape and the efforts of those seeking to bring the perpetrators to justice".

His original comments were made during a scrutiny meeting at County Hall where Kevin Purcell, a chief superintendent at West Mercia Police, was being questioned on crime figures.

During the meeting a document for the attention of councillors revealed a surge in rape reports across the force area, but did not state how many of those allegations resulted in convictions.

Councillor Udall has also written to Robin Walker about the row, with the city's MP defending Councillor Amos.

Mr Walker said he considers the matter closed as Worcester's Conservative Association has investigated it and believes "the clear intention was not in any way" to denigrate rape reports but instead draw attention to the rising figures.

Councillor Udall has responded by telling the MP he considers the apology "worthless".