AUDIO: 'They'll get drunk, fight and snort drugs': Council boss smears Stafford's new soldiers

The astonishing claims were made by Tony Potts of Stafford Borough during the authority's licensing committee which was audio recorded and posted on Stafford Borough Council's website.

He also claimed that there was a drugs problem in the Army and that nightspots in the town were already against letting servicemen into their bars and clubs.

He said: "...obviously with the military now coming into Stafford, the increase in the licensed premises, the increase in the venues where the venues don't want them in, and we have one or two now who don't want them in for love nor money, because, okay they want to spend the money but then they get drunk and want to start fighting."

He added: "Thankfully we don't have different regiments here and that the people who are here are not the sort known for their trouble-making should we say.

"But then again there are young lads with a lot of money in their pockets, a few beers, a shot or two of cocaine. It is something we are aware of and this night-time economy strategy will address that."

He continues: "There are problems happening now. They finish Thursday afternoon and want to come into Stafford to spend money. However there are the minority who through drink and drugs - drugs is an issue within the British Army anyway."

Around 1,000 new troops from the 16 Signal Regiment and 1 Armoured Division Signal Regiment are currently relocated to the county town as more than £150m in invested by the MOD at Beacon Barracks.

Henry Williams, chairman of the Royal British Legion Staffordshire county branch, said: "I think these comments are disrespectful because it is branding the troops as alcoholic thugs and druggies which is unfair.

"A lot of these men and women have served in Afghanistan in war and to talk about them like this, I personally find unacceptable.

"Most of those in Stafford will be families. Staffordshire County Council has just renewed its military covenant on behalf of the county so I am surprised by his comments and he is obviously unaware of what that covenant entails.

"There may be a small nucleus of people who have problems but who knows the effects war has had on them and they could be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

"There is a lot of pressure on these people."

Council leader Patrick Farrington said: "These comments are most certainly not the views of the council. We have a long-standing relationship with the military at MOD Stafford and have worked together on making sure they are a part of the borough community. Our officers have worked extremely hard to ensure that all the troops returning from Germany this year will be made to feel very welcome. We are pleased and proud of our great relationship with MOD Stafford and the support we give to them demonstrates how much we value their presence."