Anger as 'pathetic' council remove flags from war memorial

UNION JACK and ST GEORGE FLAGS TAKEN DOWN AS THEY 'MAY BE VIEWED AS DISRESPECTFUL'

- ANNABAL BAGDI News Reporter

A MIDLAND parish council has been branded ‘pathetic’ after removing flags put up by its war memorial.

A Union Jack and a St George’s Cross flag were tied to railings surrounding the war memorial in Perton, near Wolverhampton this week.

Perton Parish Council confirmed the flags were taken down because they ‘may be viewed as disrespectful’.

The war memorial is ‘a place of solemn remembrance and reflection, it said.

But the move has angered many, with some insisting that removing the flags is ‘disgraceful’, ‘pathetic’ and ‘disgusting’.

The parish council said on Facebook: “Notice Regarding Flags on the War Memorial.

“We would like to inform residents that the flags recently placed on the war memorial fencing have been removed.

“While we understand and respect the desire to show patriotism, we kindly remind everyone that the war memorial is a place of solemn remembrance and reflection.

“Using it in this manner may be viewed as disrespectful.

“We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in preserving the dignity of this important site.

“The flags are now at Perton Civic Centre if the person who attached these would like to retrieve them”