Would EU believe it? Cromer Town Council fly the flag for Europe after overturning decision to ban annual celebrations

David Pritchard, left, chairman of the War Memorial Restoration committee, and Tim Adams, the former Cromer mayor, with the town flag which the council will raise for the public's special occasions; the funds going to the restoration of the war memorial. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

But Europe Day was the subject of row at Cromer Town Council meeting on Monday night.

Held on May 9 each year, the landmark day marks the anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, which promoted political cooperation in Europe after the Second World War.

The declaration, aimed at eliminating the possibility of war between European nations, was presented by French foreign minister Robert Schulman on this date in 1950.

To mark the occasion last year, Cromer Town Council flew the European flag from the flagpole outside its headquarters in the town's North Lodge Park.

However, members heard it caused so much upset among Brexiteers ahead of the EU referendum that, following a meeting of the council's promotions and development committee, the flag was not flown this year.

The revelation provoked an angry response at the full meeting of the town council where members claimed the decision to drop the Europe Day celebrations was not authorised - and quickly voted to overturn the decision by 12 votes to three.

Councillor David Pritchard, who rejected concerns the flag made any sort of political statement, said: 'My main concern is the flag should have been flown this year. It's not a political flag in any way whatsoever.'

The council has a policy stating what flags it has approved to fly and when - including the national flags of Wales, Northern Ireland, England and Scotland on their respective Saints' days, as well as the gay pride flag.

Cromer Mayor John Frosdick (centre) celebrates his appointment with outgoing Mayor Tim Adams (left), who remains a town councillor following his election to the county council, and newly-elected Deputy Mayor David Pritchard (right). Picture: Ally McGilvray (Image: Archant)

And members questioned what would happen if visitors raised a further complaint about them.

Councillor Philip Harris, who claimed many of those voicing objections likely enjoyed holidays abroad, said: 'We're in Europe, even if we're coming out of the EU. We can't kowtow to the minority anytime they complain.'

Councillor Tim Adams revealed he backed the flag's ban from the list of approved nations after council officers were subjected to abuse following the decision to fly the flag last year.

And, as voices were raised during the heated debate, he warned reversing the vote would only serve to divide, not unite, the community.

Councillor Adams, who stepped down from his role of Mayor at the start of the meeting, said: 'It was a waste of time. We've got more important things to do than antagonise a section of the community.

'It will take up the phone line and people will send us lots of emails about it - there's no point in fragmenting these divisions.'