Council makes a stand over flags and protests

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

- JAMES ROBINSON

Union flags flying in Ashington

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.

The town council said residents had called on members to "take a stand". It insisted that it was not against anyone flying flags on their private property, but those attached to public assets would have to be removed.

The statement read: "We, together with community leaders and local groups across our town, are taking a clear stand on recent events in Ashington.