Barnsley Council will not fly Pride flag over town hall during Pride Month
“Barnsley town hall is an important civic building for everyone in Barnsley”
Barnsley Council will not fly the Pride flag over the town hall during Prime Month.
In a new move, the Reform-led council has said that only the Union Flag, St George’s Cross and Barnsley Council flags will now fly over the town hall building as symbols for ‘everyone’.
But the council promises to continue supporting ‘other event and campaigns’.
Barnsley Council made the announcement on June 4, as the country begins celebrating Pride Month.
Historically, during this month the Pride flag has flown over the town hall, with other flags like that of Ukraine being raised at different times.
However, the newly-elected Reform leadership has said that only the Union Flag, St George’s Cross and Barnsley Council flags will now be flown.
Similarly, lights projected onto the town hall and nearby Pals Square fountains will be red, white and blue - however, they may change to support ongoing council campaigns.
Councillor William Brown, Leader of Barnsley Council, said: “Barnsley town hall is the civic heart of our council and our borough, and the flags flown there, alongside the lighting of the building and fountains, reflect our civic pride.
“The town hall is the only council building where flags are flown. Previously, a variety of other flags have been flown throughout the year. Going forward, the three flagpoles will see the Union Flag, the St George’s Cross, and the Barnsley Council flags fly year-round. These three flags symbolise what unites us across Barnsley.
“The lighting of the town hall tower and the Pals Square fountains will follow suit in the colours of the Union Flag. They might also be changed to support the council’s communications and marketing campaigns.
“Barnsley town hall is an important civic building for everyone in Barnsley. This approach to having three standard flags provides a consistent and recognisable display.
“We will continue to support other events and campaigns in various ways throughout the year.”