BARNARD Castle Town Council will continue to fly the Ukrainian flag at the Remembrance Garden, in Galgate, as a symbol of solidarity for those affected by the conflict.
The flag was raised in March shortly after the Russian invasion and has remained in place ever since, only being replaced with alternative flags to mark special occasions such as Aviation Day. Councillors discussed how long they should continue to do so after a resident asked why a “foreign flag” was being flown in the town. Mayor Cllr Rima Chatterjee said: “When we agreed to fly the Ukrainian flag it was a sign of solidarity.”
She added: “There are more than one million people who have been displaced as a result of the invasion. We as a community are doing it to show our support.”
Cllr Alan Coulthard said: “The question is how long for? Do you fly it until the war is resolved? It is like a never-ending question. I get the solidarity, but at what point does it come down?”
Cllr Chris Foote-Wood said: “We do have a number of refugees living here.”
It was agreed the flag will remain in place for another year or until the situation is resolved.
