Flag of St George flies proudly over buildings – except West Midlands Police HQ
The flag of St George was proudly flown on council buildings across Staffordshire and the Black Country – but one police force chose not to participate.
Civic centres and council houses hoisted the red and white flag up to mark St George's Day yesterday .
But West Midlands Police chose not to fly the flag on any of their bases.
Council bosses in Sandwell, Wolverhampton, Dudley and across Staffordshire said it was important to fly the flag as it was a way of celebrating the nation's patron saint day and to bring communities together.
Leader of Sandwell Council, Darren Cooper, said the borough always had popular St George's Day events and that thousands of people took part.
Meanwhile Philip Atkins, leader of Staffordshire County Council, said: "We are proud to be flying the flag to celebrate St George's Day.
"This is a time for communities to get together and enjoy the traditional festivities and celebrate our culture."
The flag was also flown on bases owned by Stafford Borough Council and Cannock Chase District Council, as well as the Civic Centre in Wolverhampton.
The flag was also flown by councils in Dudley and Wyre Forest. But West Midlands Police chose not to fly it. Police spokeswoman Joanne Hunt said: "We never fly the flag of St George. We have the usual police force flags outside."
In Walsall, the flag was not flown outside the Council House because the flag pole is currently being moved to ground level. Simon Neilson, executive director of regeneration at Walsall Council, said: "The existing flagpole is extremely difficult to access and the decision has been taken to relocate it to ground level at the front of the council house. This is due to be carried out within the next month."
