Flag bid splits council

1:28pm Thursday 17th January 2008

A campaign to fly the Union Jack daily at Calne Town Council has split councillors.

Mick Davonport launched a fight to see the flag flown above the town hall in December and has been gaining huge support across the town.

In November town councillors voted down proposals to fly the Union Jack at the council building, sparking Royal British Legion branch chairman and town councillor John Ireland to walk out in disgust.

Coun Colin Viner said: "If you fly the flag all the time it will become part of the furniture and end up looking like a wet rag wrapped around a flag pole.

"I stand by my reasons. The flag should only be flown on special occasions, otherwise it will be demeaned."

But district and town councillor Caroline Ramsey backed Mr Davonport's campaign.

She said: "I wasn't at the meeting but I was disappointed that the issue was not debated properly.

"Decisions made by the council should not be based on the views of councillors.

"If there is a strong feeling about flying the flag there needs to be proper public consultation on the issue.

"I would be more than happy to sign a petition for the council to hear the item again."

Coun Ireland, who plans to stage a mini protest at every council meeting, said: "I am getting more and more letters from people who are thoroughly disgusted by the council's decision."

For councillors to hear the proposal again, six councillors need to sign a special resolution.