Legion backs fight to fly town hall flag

3:10pm Thursday 24th January 2008

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ONE man's battle to see the Union Jack flown from Calne Town Hall is gaining support.

The Royal British Legion has joined Mick Davonport's drive to see the flag flying there every day and not just on special occasions.

Councillors rejected the proposal in November, saying it would lose significance if flown every day, and the £80 annual cost was also an issue.

The decision split the town council with four members agreeing to sign a special resolution so the matter can be heard at full council.

On Saturday Calne Royal British Legion distributed posters in the streets urging the council to rethink its decision. Its president Paddy Croxford said: "Men fought and died so we could keep our national identity and now we can't fly the British flag from our town hall.

"It's about patriotism and respect. Wootton Bassett Town Council flies two and we don't even have one."

Traders in Calne are being urged to display the Fly the Flag posters.

Town mayor Roy Golding, who has been in correspondence with Mr Davonport, said he was happy for the proposal to come back to full council under the right circumstances.

This would require eight councillors to sign a petition. So far councillors Caroline Ramsey, Helen Plenty, John Ireland and David Bland have pledged their support.

Former flight lieutenant and Legion member Paul Mayo said: "We regularly have the families of repatriated Service personnel stay in Calne and we can't even display our flag as a mark of respect -- it's disgusting.

"It can't be a matter of expense as we have already agreed to foot the bill and even donate our flag. I wish the council would explain the real reason or accept that the wrong decision was made.

"Six months ago Gordon Brown gave an official direction that all Government buildings that have flag poles should fly the flag 365 days a year. It's not about politics it's about pride and fostering a sense of Britishness."

Mr Davonport said: "I just think the council did not give enough thought to the issue.

"I would hope they would say there is a way of fixing this, let's get together, get the signatures and carry on with business. This could a wonderful example for the council to show people they listen."

Fly the flag posters are available from Sophisticatz on Beech Terrace. For information on the campaign contact (01249) 811910.