Union flag to fly on landmarks

The union flag will fly high on landmark buildings in a Black Country borough after council chiefs pledged their support for patriotism.

The move comes after the Government announced plans to scrap ancient rules which state the flag can only be flown on 18 days a year.

Sandwell Council was among the first local authorities to fly the flag from its council houses in Oldbury two years ago.

Now the council plans to site a flag on a landmark public building in each of the borough's six towns.

Union flags will fly from the council house in Smethwick, the Municipal Buildings in Cradley Heath and the Town Hall in West Bromwich.

The siting of the flags in Wednesbury and Tipton is still yet to be decided but the Carnegie building and Wednesbury Library are being considered as possibilities.

Sandwell's council leader, Councillor Bill Thomas said it was important that residents were proud to fly their country's flag, no matter what their cultural background.

He said: "The flag will fly from council buildings across Sandwell's six towns.

"I have issued instructions to council officers that Sandwell will be flying the union flag from its buildings.

"We think it's important the council demonstrates its patriotism.

"My only regret is that as a Welshman I cannot fly the Welsh dragon."

Earlier this week Justice Secretary Jack Straw announced constitutional reforms which will see more union flags being put up.

The moves were backed by Warley MP John Spellar who has campaigned for the restrictions to be lifted.

He said:"This is a very welcome move.

"I am delighted that the Government is following the lead of Sandwell Council," he added.

In February 2006 Sandwell Council proudly hoisted the union flag at its council house in Freeth Street following a plea from the Chancellor Gordon Brown for Britain to be more openly patriotic.

By Emma Sloper