Legion
backs fight to fly town hall flag
Gazette & Herald
24th January 2008
www.gazetteandherald.co.uk
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 RAF Lyneham 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
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