A ROW has evolved following Thurrock Council's decision to fly its historic coat of arms flag after it was branded "dirty" by an opposition councillor – prompting the order of new replacements.

The borough flag, first granted in the 1950s and rarely seen on the civic flagpole in recent years, was raised outside council offices on May 28. It replaced the Ukrainian flag, which had been flown in solidarity since the outbreak of war.

However, the move quickly drew criticism from the two-strong Thurrock Conservative group, with Cllr Qaisar Abbas describing the flag as "probably one of the dirtiest flags ever displayed outside an official building in England".

He also questioned the administration's wider approach to civic flags, claiming earlier plans to fly the Essex flag had come at the expense of the St George's Cross.

Thurrock's new Reform administration has made flying the borough's own symbols a priority, saying flags at the Town Hall are intended to celebrate the "borough's heritage and its identity".

Cllr Abbas said: "Reform initially said they were also going to put up the regional (Essex) flag, not realising it would come at the cost of removing the St George Flag.

"Now they are flying a flag that looks like it hasn't seen the light of day since the Reform leader was last a councillor in Thurrock.

"Our borough crest is a symbol of our identity, pride, and shared history. It deserves to be displayed with the dignity and respect.

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"Thurrock Conservative councillors are ready to pay for a replacement new flag, printed to a high standard and displayed in an elegant manner.

"Celebrating our identity, heritage, and civic pride should never be treated as a tick-box exercise or used for political point scoring."

In a response, Reform cabinet member for corporate services, digital and transformation, Cllr Alex Anderson defended the decision to raise the historic borough flag.

He said: "Last week we were proud to raise the very first Thurrock coat of arms that was given to us by the College of Arms back in 1957.

"This historic flag was a fitting immediate replacement for the Ukrainian flag it took the place of.

"Councillor Abbas has been a councillor for six years now. That's over 2000 days to raise concerns about the borough coat of arms flag.

"Only now that Reform proudly raise it does he seek to use it as an opportunity to score cheap political points."

The council has since confirmed new flags – including a replacement coat of arms, Union flag and St George's Cross – have been ordered, although no date has yet been set for when they will be put in place.

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However, having specified its intention to fly just the three flags, the council has muddied the waters today (Thursday, 4 June) by issuing an invitation to local residents and community representatives to attend a flagraising later this month.

Mayor Cllr William Cook says: "Thurrock is proud to 'Fly a Flag' on Monday, 22 June and will be flying the Armed Forces Flag for the week leading up to Armed Forces Day on 27 June. "

It is not known which flag will be lowered to make way.

Members of the borough's Thurrock LGBTQ+ Network have expressed disappointment after being told their flag, which has traditionally been flown at the civic offices during the borough's Pride Week (this year culminating on Thurrock Pride Day on Saturday, 13 June) is no longer welcome - despite it being supported by many local organisations and firms, may of which are contracted to Thurrock Council.

Council doesn't share commitment of local firms to Pride, it appears.