Council 'takes a stand' over flags

A Northumberland town council has warned flag displays and protests in the town are leading to "exclusion and unease".

- By JAMES ROBINSON Local Democracy Reporter

Ashington has been the scene of marches in recent weeks, while union and St George's flags can be seen hanging from lampposts and signs on many streets.

Both the flags and protest marches are part of wider national movements that are organised and linked to the far right. Last month, Blyth and Ashington MP Ian Lavery was left furious following one of the protest marches after a banner bearing the name of far right group Patriotic Alternative was displayed at the town's war memorial.