Calls to fly Black Country flag with pride outside council offices
City councillors have launched a campaign to get the Black Country flag flying outside the council offices.
Tories in Wolverhampton want the iconic black, white and red flag to have a permanent home outside the Civic Centre.
A motion calling on the city to embrace the flag as a symbol of pride will be debated at a full council meeting at the end of the month.
It comes after Government Minister Jake Berry ordered civil servants to draft guidance to local authorities on promoting community pride and flying flags to encourage people to discover more about their local history.
Councillor Paul Singh, who represents Penn ward and submitted the motion, said: “The Black Country flag is a key part of our identity in Wolverhampton and the wider area.
“For generations, It has united us and brought communities together.
“Instead of being ashamed and embarrassed of Wolverhampton’s traditional roots, the city council and local Labour MPs should embrace our proud heritage.
“I can think of no better way to do that, than by flying the flag every day right outside the council’s offices in city centre.
“Labour say they are proud of Wolverhampton. Let’s see if they will support our campaign.” The Black Country flag was designed by Gracie Sheppard from Stourbridge in 2012. It has sparked controversy in the past, with social commentator Patrick Vernon describing it as offensive and insensitive.
Wolverhampton South West Labour MP Eleanor Smith called for it to be scrapped over the use of chains in its imagery.
However, the flag has met with widespread support from communities across the Black Country.
Last year it was defended during Prime Minister’s Questions by Theresa May.
Northern Powerhouse minister Mr Berry has complained that the English lion had been reduced to the Cheshire Cat by wet civic adherence to local government reorganisations, adding “with Brexit just around the corner it’s time he roared again across England”.
