TWO PATRIOTIC Calne councillors staged a mini protest at a council meeting last Wednesday.

Couns John Ireland and David Bland sat small union jack flags on the table in front of them in protest against a council decision not to fly the flag above the town hall.

Councillors rejected Royal British Legion branch chairman Coun Ireland's proposal to fly the union jack everyday in November sparking Coun Ireland to walk out of the meeting.

Councillors said the flag would lose significance if flown daily and the yearly cost of £80 was also an issue.

In December Calne resident Mick Davonport launched a one-man campaign to see the flag flown everyday above the town hall.

He said: "I am in correspondence with the town mayor to try and get the flag raised. I have spoken to enough private citizens in the town to know there is a body of feeling behind this move.

"I want to work in partnership with the town council. This is not a politically motivated petition, it is the right thing to do."

Couns Bland and Ireland have vowed to take miniature union jacks to every council meeting until the decision is overturned.

Coun Ireland said: "Calne Town Council has taken what I consider a dreadful decision not to fly the Union Flag from the Town Hall.

"To display our countries flag at every opportunity is a small gesture but with huge symbolical meaning."

A council decision cannot be overturned for six months unless at least eight council members sign a petition asking the proposal to be heard again.