Uproar as campaigners seem poles apart over official Staffordshire flag design
A row has erupted over what should be Staffordshire's official flag.
Both the county council and the Heritage Group are at loggerheads over what should officially be recognised as the county's flag.
The Heritage Group, along with a host of others, wants the flag to be the traditional red chevron on a field of gold with a golden knot.
But the county council want to see their take on the historic emblem used, which has a blue banner with a golden lion running across the top of the otherwise same design.
Both the council and Staffordshire Heritage Group have submitted designs to the Flag Institute to see theirs officially recognised.
A public vote was due to take place but the council has now withdrawn its submission, saying it has 'lost faith' in the process.
It has criticised the process for opening up the voting to those who live outside Staffordshire and has vowed to continue to fly their version of the flag despite it appearing likely the more traditional design will be officially recognised.
Councillor Philip Atkins, council leader, said: "Our flag has been flown in the county for several years and when we were approached by parish councils asking us to consider registering the flag we were happy to do so, even though it carries no official or legal status.
"We submitted our application in good faith, but unfortunately feel we have to withdraw our application as we have now lost trust and confidence in the whole process. We will continue to fly our own flag proudly across Staffordshire."
The county council also raised concerns that despite Staffordshire Heritage Group appearing as the applicant, it had allegedly said it had not designed or submitted any flag. But Margaret George, chairman of Staffordshire Heritage Group, hit back, saying the flag was designed in Staffordshire by a member of her group.
Ms George added: "If the County Council want their own flag then fine, but don't say it represents the county."
Despite the county council saying it has withdrawn its application, Charles Ashburner, chief executive of the Flag Insitute, has said the vote will go ahead. Vote at this website.
