UNION FLAG NO LONGER FLYING OUTSIDE CLECKHEATON TOWN HALL?

12.01.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 26th Mar 2007

The sight of the union flag fluttering proudly outside Cleckheaton Town Hall has become an everyday sight for people living in the town over the past six years.

The sight of the union flag fluttering proudly outside Cleckheaton Town Hall has become an everyday sight for people living in the town over the past six years.

Such a common sight, in fact, that its absence during the last two weeks has led residents to pose the question "what has happened to our flag?".

"I have been contacted by quite a few residents over the past couple of weeks asking about the missing flag" says local Councillor Andrew Pinnock. "While the Lib Dems were in control of the council we insisted that the Union Flag be flown outside all of the town halls across the district and people can be assured that this policy has not been reversed."

"What has happened is about two weeks ago the fibre glass flag pole on Dewsbury Town Hall snapped in high wind. Fortunately, no one was hurt because it was late at night. But as Cleckheaton's Town Hall has the same sort of pole as Dewsbury Town Hall the council thought it should be taken down so that that safety checks could be carried out."

"Both poles were only installed a couple of years ago to replace the older wooden poles which were not thought to be strong enough to stand up to gale force winds".

"If the newer poles aren't up the job, I hope the council will receive reimbursement for the money it laid out and that they'll find a better alternative".

"No flags will be flown on either town hall until officers are certain there is no risk to local people. So, it might be that there isn't a new pole up by St Georges Day on April 23rd, but I would hope that staff at both Town Halls will find other ways to make sure that the St George's Cross is flying on the day."