A Pride supporter in North Tawton is celebrating this week after the council rejected a policy on Tuesday (October 6) which could have prevented the rainbow flag from flying during LGBTQ+ History Month.

At the latest meeting, councillors discussed a proposal to implement a blanket ban on flag flying from December to March. However, resident Christian Martin raised concerns that the proposed changes could signal a loss of support for the town’s LGBTQ+ community as it would see the end of the council’s recent tradition of flying the Pride flag for LGBTQ+ History Month in February.

In an open letter to the council, Mr Martin described the flying of the flag as “a positive symbol for many in the community,” adding: “Many people in the town and wider community responded positively to the flag being flown and to the message of inclusion it represented.”

Councillors were told that the changes were proposed for health and safety reasons, as flags had fallen or blown away in strong winter winds in the past, but Mr Martin highlighted that the policy already in effect included a number of health and safety provisions, including the removal of any flags flying in wind speeds over 25mph.

Councillors did not refer to the Pride flag during the discussion and instead pointed out that a blanket ban would mean flags could neither be flown at other occasions during the winter, such as Commonwealth Day, nor in the event of unexpected situations such as the death of a member of the Royal Family.

Cllr Hannah Hyde said: “I don’t think that every single day the risk is going to be high but I agree that when the wind is high they should be lowered. We should have common sense and discretion.”

Following the discussion, councillors resolved to allow flags to fly all year round, provided they were taken down during Met Office yellow wind warnings. The clerks would be responsible for monitoring weather warnings.

Mr Martin said: "I imagine everyone who enjoys seeing a variety of flags flying in our town will be delighted that the Council has recognised how changes to model policies can sometimes result in it quite literally tying itself up in knots.

“I look forward to renewing my request for the Pride flag to fly in February to mark LGBTQ+ History Month, and I would encourage other residents to come forward with their own suggestions for flags that celebrate the diversity, history and interests of our community.”