Union flag has become 'source of division and intimidation' says mayor

BUT HIS COMMENTS ARE MET WITH DISMAY AT COUNCIL MEETING

- By JOSEPH CONNOLLY Local Democracy Reporter

THE Union flag has become a “source of division and intimidation” and displaying it around Nottinghamshire will be a “daily reminder of hostility, especially for people of colour,” says Mansfield Mayor Andy Abrahams.

The Labour district council leader made the comments after being asked by a councillor whether he would consider contacting Nottinghamshire County Council (NCC) leader Mick Barton to oppose the Reform-led authority's proposal to spend £75,000 on flying the Union flag around the county.

But Mansfield Independent councillor Sidney Walker denounced the Mayor's suggestions as “ridiculous” and Reform councillor Martin Wright shook his head in dismay as the comments were made at a Mansfield District Council meeting on Tuesday.

The plan for the flags, announced in October, will see 164 double-sided flags installed on roads across the county.

Mansfield's council was meeting in full for the first time since the plan was announced.

In a question to the elected Mayor, Labour councillor Sue Swinscoe said: “I am really concerned about the recent rather curious decision made by Nottinghamshire County Council to allocate £75,000 of public funds for the purchase of flags.