From Monday, 9 September the Union Jack will fly routinely over the Guildhall Andover, Crosfield Hall Romsey and the Council’s Beech Hurst offices.
The only exception will be on specific flag days, designated by central government, and when twinning partners visit the borough. When Council meetings take place the Council flag will fly underneath the Union Flag.
Councillor Ian Carr, Leader of the Council, said: “I am proud to announce that from today the Union Flag will fly from Council flagpoles. The Council has traditionally followed the guidance from central government about when it should be flown. However, for the first time ever, I have recently received a request, via an online petition, suggesting that the Union Jack should be flown every day on Council buildings, though a simple direct request would have been sufficient. I think the flying of the flag is a sensible suggestion which I am happy for us to adopt.”
“The borough is the base for the British Army Headquarters and Andover is shortly to see a homecoming parade for the 22 Engineer Regiment. I also signed a Community Covenant with the armed forces in the borough last year. The Covenant aimed to encourage support for the armed forces community living and working in Test Valley. I can see no better recognition of this than to see the Union Flag flying over our two main towns on a daily basis.”
The Council will continue to comply with central government guidance on the flying of flags for specific events.
