EU Flag no action

Dave Edwards, landlord of the Rose and Crown, in Montague Street, was told he would have to pay more than 200 if he wanted to keep flying the EU flag outside his pub after a complaint from a member of the public. The council told him the flag, which has been flying for more than five years, was considered an advertising banner.

The matter was referred to the planning committee, where councillors decided on Thursday afternoon to use their discretionary powers and take no further action.

They were told by their chief planning officer, James Appleton, that the council received around 500 complaints every year and has to investigate them all.

Liberal Democrat James Doyle said: "I don't think we fly enough flags in this country. You go to countries abroad and there are flags flying everywhere, from public buildings, houses and hotels.

"I have been really pleased over the last couple of years to see people having a bit more pride and begin to fly their flags. This is to be applauded.

Here is someone who has gone to the trouble of getting a flagstaff to fit it correctly.

"I do not see a flag as an advertisement. This man just wants to welcome people to the town."

Conservative John Rogers agreed. He said: "Since this issue hit the headlines I have noticed a couple of skull and crossbone flags flying in Wor-thing. I do not know if they are related to this case. I think this landlord has shown pride and I think it looks nice."

Mr Edwards was not present at the meeting. He told the Herald afterwards: "I am pleased that a satisfactory solution has been found to this."