By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
Concerns have been raised over flags being displayed in Stonehouse.
There are fears in Stonehouse that English flags put up in the market town recently were specifically placed outside businesses owned by people of other ethnicities.
One flag was attached to a tree opposite Italian restaurant La Campagna and another was placed opposite Indian restaurant Zaika .
Town Councillor John Callinan, is among those who are concerned about the issue, said the flags of St George are intimidating and he has been contacted by several people about the issue.
However, supporters of the flags say the flag of St George represents England’s shared heritage and should not be used to intimidate anyone.
But the Labour councillor, who also represents the market town on Stroud District Council, said one person who travels through Stonehouse said the flags are “totally inappropriate”.
“I believe they are directly positioned to intimidate ethnic sections of the community,” Cllr Callinan said.
“The flag is our flag and it doesn’t belong to a bunch of right wing racists.”
He said the Town Council proudly flies the Union Flag and St George’s Flag on days of national pride and celebration.
“We fly the flag at the times that are already on the Government website,” he said.
“They indicate the dates when the Union Flag should always be flown.”
The Town Council last week considered adopting the UK Government guidance on flying the national flags on Town Council property.
It is understood a working group will be set up to look developing at their policy for flying flags.
Stonehouse County Councillor Dean Botterill encouraged people to attend the meeting on September 22 and said people should be “proud of our flag and don’t let anyone tell you differently”.
The Town Council had previously raised concerns with the Reform UK councillor, who is listed as a member of the Facebook group Raise the Flag Stonehouse/Stroud, about the issue.
Cllr Botterill said he joined the group to get a better understanding of Stonehouse residents’ concerns.
And he believes that anyone living in the UK should be proud to see the St George’s Flag flying.
He said the flag cannot and should not be used to intimidate anyone as it symbolises the country that many ethnic minorities have chosen to make their own.
“Reform UK and Cllr Dean Botterill are proud of both the St George’s Flag and the Union Flag, which are historic symbols of our great country,” a Reform UK spokesperson said.
“Cllr Botterill firmly believes that anyone living in the United Kingdom should feel proud to see the St George’s Flag flying. It represents our shared heritage and national identity.
“Importantly, the St George’s Flag cannot and should not be used to intimidate anyone.
“It symbolises the country that many ethnic minorities have chosen to make their home, and its presence should be seen as inclusive, not divisive.
“The flag belongs to all who live here, regardless of background.
“Cllr Botterill joined the Raise the Flag Stonehouse/Stroud group to better understand residents’ views and has shared the Town Council’s concerns with the group.
“He is pleased that the group has responded constructively and agreed to adopt a more considerate approach, including avoiding the placement of flags outside ethnic minority properties without express permission.
“Cllr Botterill also feels strongly that if the Town Council is comfortable with large Palestinian flags being flown in public spaces, then it should equally support the flying of the St George’s Flag.
“Fairness and consistency in how national symbols are treated is essential to maintaining community cohesion.”
The flags have since understood to have been taken down by members of the public.