LGBT flag will continue to be flown for a month by one town

Newtown Town Council will consider an updated Flag Flying and Commemorative Lighting Policy at next week's full council meeting, following discussions last month about the duration different flags are displayed.

The review comes after councillors questioned why the LGBT rainbow flag was flown for a full month when other commemorative flags typically receive shorter displays. However, the council has agreed to continue flying the rainbow flag each February as part of LGBT History Month, and Welshpool does the same at its Tourist Information Centre.

The updated policy, which will be presented to the full council meeting next week, addresses both the council's two main flagpoles outside Brisco House on Broad Street and the illumination system for St Mary's Church.

Under the revised guidelines, the rainbow flag will be displayed annually during February to mark LGBT History Month, continuing the council's commitment to equality and diversity values established in previous years.

The policy review also encompasses other commemorative occasions, including changing the Union Jack for national days such as St David's Day on 1 March, Commonwealth Day Flag on the second Monday in March, and guest flags when official visits are made to the town, such as displaying the French Tricolour during visits from twin town Les Herbiers.

Community request flags for special occasions will also be accommodated under the updated framework, maintaining the council's practice of responding to local requests that align with the authority's published values.

The policy further establishes protocols for flying flags at half mast on specific occasions, including for the monarch, on Remembrance Sunday, and following the death of serving councillors or mayors.

Newtown Town Council has previously demonstrated its support for LGBT causes, including flying the rainbow flag in July 2022 to support Powys Pride celebrations in Llandrindod Wells following a community request.

The then mayor, Cllr John Byrne, commented at the time that flags serve as "symbols which give a visual message about the town and the council values to the local community and to the outside world."

The Flag Flying and Commemorative Lighting Policy incorporates the council's illumination capabilities for St Mary's Church, allowing the building to be lit in various colours to complement flag displays for significant occasions.

Councillors are expected to approve the updated policy when it comes before the full council next week. The review aims to provide clearer guidance whilst maintaining the council's commitment to equality, respect, and valuing diversity within the community.

The discussion reflects broader national conversations about flag flying policies at local authorities, with councils across Wales and the UK examining their approaches to commemorative displays and community requests.