ABERYSTWYTH WALES

Gypsy flag to fly above town promenade

A gypsy flag is to be flown on the promenade at Aberystwyth after it was supported by councillors

FROM THE TELEGRAPH

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/council-spending/8808084/Gypsy-flag-to-fly-above-town-promenade.html#.To3Y8fiUOnk.email

The town prides itself on the 52 flagpoles which grace its seafront, all flying European or other national flags.

Town councillors have now provoked a row by agreeing to include the Romany Gypsy flag.

Supporters of the move say they want to mark the area's "long tradition of gypsies".

But opponents say they'll either have to remove a national flag to make room for it - or put up an extra pole.

Aled Davies, who represents Aberystwyth on the town council and is a member of Ceredigion County Council, said: "I was wondering why they supported it, as those flags are supposed to be for small nations, and the gypsies don't have a nation as such.

Should we really spend money on a flag and flag pole during the current economic climate? In my view no we shouldn't.

"And I don't believe we should get rid of another flag to make way for this one."

Town councillors in Aberystwyth agreed to display the Romany Gypsy flag - a blue and green flag with a red cartwheel - despite the concerns of some members.

It was officially adopted as the Romany flag in 1971.

After receiving a letter asking for their backing, town councillors agreed it was something they would support, although the final decision will rest with Ceredigion County Council.

Plaid Cymru councillor Mark Strong said at Aberystwyth Town Council's meeting: "There's a long tradition of gypsies in mid and north Wales and they've done quite a bit for the culture over the centuries, so I think this is something we should strongly support."

However, with no empty flagpoles, the county council will now have to decide whether to replace an existing flag or erect another flag pole.

The flags along the promenade are based on three categories: flags of the minority nations of Europe; flags of other EU member countries and flags of countries which are the origins of significant numbers of visitors to Ceredigion.

A Ceredigion County Council said: "The display of flags on Aberystwyth promenade has attracted a great deal of interest over the years and is viewed as a popular attraction for visitors from all over the world.

"We receive many suggestions with regard to the display of new flags, however, the display is dictated by the limited space available and adherence to the guidelines is therefore necessary."

The Aberystwyth promenade has 52 flagpoles, including the flagstaff adjacent to the paddling pool on the north promenade: 30 flags south from the pier, 22 flags north from the pier.
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