Flags protocol agreed inthe town for second year

June is the agreed time for erection of flags in the area, and they will be taken down towards the end of August and early September.

Those who put up flags have been encouraged to place them away from schools and places of worship and to replace torn or tatty flags immediately.

The Loyalist Communities Council (LCC) has also released a new commemorative flag. It celebrates the service and sacrifice of the 36th (Ulster) Division in this, the centenary year of the Battle of the Somme, and features the emblem and battle honours of the Ulster Division.

A spokesperson for the LCC said the flag “will be erected on arterial routes in our communities subject to appropriate respect being shown in the vicinity of churches and schools”.

John Stevenson of the ACT Initiative said, “The adoption of the protocol has created a more mature and stabilised approach to the flying of flags and the maintenance of flags in the locality.

“All who agreed to take part in the protocol recognise that mutual respect and tolerance are the foundation of creating and maintaining harmonious relationships in the town and it was gratifying to see the protocol receive positive feedback.

“The Portadown Flags Protocol Committee has recently met and will continue to meet to ensure the smooth running of the protocol. The committee once again reiterates its desire to maintain good relations in the town and to ensure that the erection of flags are designed not to intimidate or mark out territory but celebrate a culture and tradition in a fair and balanced manner.

“The committee looks forward to another successful year of the protocol and welcomes any and all feedback.”