THURROCK mayor Cllr James Halden has expressed his gratitude to St Peter and St Paul's parish church in Grays for coming to the council's rescue and allowing the authority to use the decades old church flagpole after the authority realised it had not created its own civic flagpoles as part of its new multi-million offices extension.

Previously the council made use of three flagpoles outside the former main council entrance, but it is now defunct following the opening of the new offices, with an entrance on the town's High Street.

The issue first came to light on Monday when the council hosted a service to recognise its commitment to the armed forces.

Rev Darren Barlow, Rector at St Peter & St Paul's and the mayor's chaplain, stepped up and allowed the council to use the flagpole in the churchyard.

And on Tuesday the flagpole was in use again, when a rainbow flag to mark Pride Month was raised by Cllr Halden who said he was proud to recognise the LGBTQ+ community and the council's work to champion inclusivity, openness and fairness.

At a full council meeting this evening (Wednesday, 29 June) Cllr Halden opened proceedings by thanking Rev Barlow and said: "He gave us use of his flagpole and allowed us to have the backdrop of the magnificent church."

It is not yet known where or how the council will place its own flagpoles, though it is likely they will need planning permission so the church could be hosting borough flags for some time yet.