Councillors take control over decisions on flying of flags at war memorials
A decision on the flying of flags at Mid and East Antrim's war memorials is to be made by councillors, rather than an official, in the future.
Members have approved a recommendation that the borough council's Neighbourhoods and Communities Committee will approve requests, instead of the council's interim chief executive Valerie Watts.
DUP councillor Gregg McKeen proposed accepting the recommendation, seconded by party colleague Reuben Glover.
The flying of flags at war memorials is in addition to statutory days for flags to be flown at public buildings.
Flags flown at war memorials in the borough are the Union flag (Larne and Ballymena) and the Union and Northern Ireland flags (Carrickfergus).
If a Royal British Legion commemoration is held, for example, the armed forces charity's standard can be flown for the duration of the service.
Other occasions when a flag may be flown at war memorials in the borough include the North Irish Horse Battle for the Hitler Line commemoration in Carrickfergus, for example. Permission has to be sought in all instances.
A report presented to councillors at a meeting in The Braid, Ballymena, last week said district councils have the right to decide whether or not to fly the Union flag on the King and Queen's wedding anniversary (April 9); Coronation Day (May 6); Queen's birthday (July 17); anniversary of the King's accession (September 8); King's birthday (November 14) and other days including St Patrick's Day (March 17), St David's Day (March 1) and St George's Day (April 23).
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