Oakham Town Council has drawn up a new flag flying policy after certain flags caused controversy recently. 

There are plans for a new protocol about which flags can be hoisted up the flagpole in Cutts Close and when, after some flags have caused some negative comments on social media. 

A report to be discussed by the authority when it meets on Wednesday (March 12) says: "Oakham Town Council established a flag-flying protocol for Cutts Close some time ago and subsequently acquired a substantial collection of flags. A former councillor managed the flags for a period. However, certain flags have generated controversy within the community. Recently, questions have arisen regarding the flying of the LGBTQ+ flag and the absence of other flags. 

"Another example, the observance of International Women's Day prompted inquiries about why International Men's Day is not similarly recognised. This paper aims to address these concerns and propose solutions. Furthermore, it is hoped that the council will agree upon a new protocol for half-mast flag displays." 

The proposal is that the Oakham Town Council flag will fly on most days, and the Union flag will be flown for official national events, such as commemorations and public royal celebrations. 

The council flag will be flown at half-mast if a councillor of staff members dies, for a maximum of seven days, and then lowered again for the day of the funeral. The same for county councillors. 

The Union flag will be flown at half-mast for all state-recognised deaths and will remain at half-mast until the official period of mourning has concluded. It will also be flown at half mast if the county's MP were to die while in office. 

If an organisation wants to fly a flag under the new policy it will have to make a formal request to the authority and a decision will be approved by the full council. 

The meeting takes place at 6.30pm on Wednesday and other items on the agenda include a grant to help pay for a new boiler at Victoria Hall.