Flag Man vows to carry on amid critics' claims of driving division

A man behind an upsurge in nationalist flag flying in South Tyneside has vowed not to stop - and hit back at critics.

- by Gareth Crickmer

Union flags attached to lampposts along Biddick Hall section of the John Reid Road

Gary Doyle, 56, admits he is now nicknamed 'Flag Man' for his role in hanging dozens of Union and St George's flags and banners from lamp posts along the John Reid Road in South Shields.

The former shipyard worker admitted it was "not to everyone's taste" but added, "Shame on them if they don't fly the flag".

Mr Doyle claimed his actions are aimed at highlight an upsurge in houses of multiple occupation - which he alleges house illegal immigrants, close to his Biddick Hall home - but South Tyneside Council says there are no such licensed properties in the area.

Mr Doyle also claims flag flying is not a sign of opposition to legal immigration but does believe the Government has "let evil in" by not stopping people coming to the UK illegally.

He has also vowed to carry on, saying the flag project is being supported by people from all over the country and that "there's plenty more flags".

The group's activities have been criticised by Biddick and All Saints Green party councillors, Cllr Rachael Taylor and Cllr Chris Davies, who say hoisting flags in public areas was creating division, not inclusion.

He said: "We've been going out on evenings when people are around. There's been a lot of support from residents, although at first, a few people were against it.

"Shame on them if they don't fly the flag.