Residents in a leafy Norfolk village have erupted in fury over whether flying the Union Jack is “divisive”.
Claxton, which has a population of just under 300, found itself at the centre of a political row over plans to erect a flagpole outside the village hall.
The local parish council claimed there have so far been “strong reactions for and against”, including some locals claiming the flagpole could put off people moving to Claxton.
Residents are now urging the councillors to consider the “fine line between patriotism and nationalism”.
Leafy Norfolk village fumes as row erupts over flying Union Flag with some residents saying flag is 'divisive'
CLAXTON VILLAGE HALL
They also said Claxton should consider putting up bunting instead.
However, minutes from the meeting showed one Claxton resident claiming the “flag itself was still divisive”.
Claxton’s village hall committee applied to erect the flagpole to fly the Union Jack on certain occasions while using “common sense” to determine which flag is flown when.
Local resident Glynnis White told The Eastern Daily Press: “The flag is often used as a symbol against immigration and it would worry me if it was being used in the wrong way.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:“We should be proud of where we come from but I would like to know more about people's motivations.”
Another resident went further, claiming funding should be directed to central heating and a heat pump.
However, despite concerns about potential vandalism, Nancy Harrison was supportive of the plan.
Harrison said: “Why should we be ashamed of our flag? If it puts people off from moving here then they shouldn't.”
Flying the Union Jack proved controversial
GETTY
Former East of England MEP David Campbell-Bannerman expressed his concern about the "deeply worrying" development.
He told GB News: "For Claxton Council to denigrate our great unifying flag, the symbol of the British Union and that symbolises the triumph of democracy and freedom over the Nazis is truly appalling.
"Those advocating such nonsense should be investigated to see if they are involved in extreme left revolutionary causes."
Labour MP Ben Goldsborough, who ended the Tory Party’s 74-year-long grip on South Norfolk on July 4, also weighed in on the row.
He said: “The most important thing is making sure that all residents feel listened to.
“There are people for and against this and they all need to have some buy-in in the process.”
The 2021 Census was an interesting reading when it comes to Claxton’s national identity.
Almost 60 per cent of residents identified as only British, with 17 per cent claiming to be only English.
However, a further 19 per cent identified as British and English.
