LAUNCESTON, once the proud captial of Cornwall, will not be flying the European Union flag from the Guildhall complex to celebrate the founding of the EU.

It is not an attempt to leave the organisation and go-it-alone and it is seemingly not a protest about the activities of Euro MPs.

Launceston Town Council was asked in a letter from the Tamar Branch of the European Moverment to fly the flag on Saturday, May 9, to mark the foundation of the EU but the town clerk, Rita Skinner, pointed out that the council did not possess one and would have to buy one in order to haul it up.

Cllr Brian Keighley said he hoped they would fly the flag of St George on St George's Day (last Thursday).

Cllr Pam Davey proposed that they did not fly the EU flag.

The Mayor, Cllr Eric Chapman, asked his colleagues if the town clerk could find one at no cost would that be all right?

'No,' said several councillors and then voted against and the motion was carried.

Cllr Jacki Ellis-Martin said she would like to see the flag flown and asked for her vote against to be recorded in the minutes, as did two other councillors.