THURROCK Council's Reform leadership has returned to the issue of what flags can be displayed and where as part of its campaign for 'civic pride'.

Soon after taking office after May's landslide local election win Reform announced it would be lowering the Ukrainian flag which has flown outside the town hall since its conflict with Russia escalated into war.

And the party gave short shrift to the idea of flying the Pride flag during the borough's Pride Week in the summer.

This week, on the eve of the borough's Remembrance season, two leading figures in the local Reform group again raised the issue of flags through an official council press release.

Council leader Cllr Richard Bingley said: "Flags are more than symbols on a pole. They tell the story of who we are, where we've come from and what we stand for as a borough. This policy puts civic pride at the centre of our approach, celebrating Thurrock's heritage while providing a clear and consistent framework for recognising the occasions that matter to our communities."

Cllr George Monk, cabinet member for Heritage and Culture, said: "The flags we fly are a visible expression of our history, our values and our connection to place. This policy helps ensure we recognise important national occasions while celebrating Thurrock's unique story and heritage."

The Pride and Ukranian flags have previously been flown outside the civic offices but are now barred.

The official statement announces the adoption of a new flag-flying policy.

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It says: "The policy celebrates Thurrock's heritage, recognises its historic traditions and provides a clear and consistent approach to the display of flags at council sites.

"At the Civic Offices in Grays, the Thurrock Borough Coat of Arms, the Union Flag and the St George's Flag will continue to fly as proud symbols of the borough.

"In Tilbury Civic Square, the Union Flag will continue to fly alongside the St George's Flag and the Canadian Flag, recognising the borough's historic links with Canadian troops stationed in Tilbury during the First World War.

"The policy also introduces a transparent process for recognising important civic occasions, commemorations and events throughout the year."