RESIDENTS have reacted after Bicester Town Council updated its flag flying policy to include the Pride flag.

It comes after the council came under fire in June when it did not raise the rainbow flag for Pride Month.

Residents called for it to be raised, but Mayor Jason Slaymaker said the reason why it was not, was because the council had not received any official requests from the public.

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But now after the policy committee agreed to adopt the new policy at a meeting on Tuesday, the Pride flag will be flown from flagpole two outside the council’s offices in Garth Park in June until the Friday before Armed Forces Day.

People in the town have welcomed the move and are glad to see the council has listened to them.

Lisa Pinky Ward commented on Facebook: “Excellent to see our council listened to those who made contact with them and support all of the residents of this town, including those of us from the LGBTQ+ community.”

Another resident Ethan Paris Cox, also commented saying: “This is so refreshing to see, as a gay man who grew up in Bicester there was a very little or no gay scene in this town or county and little feelings of acceptance at times and now seeing this flag is being noticed publicly restores my faith in equal rights in this town.”

But some people have expressed their opposition to the council's decision, saying the raising of the Pride flag is 'silly'.

Resident Sonny Florey said: "Whilst not disagreeing with gay rights, is a flag representing the rights of a minority of people with a particular sexuality worthy of a position outside a town hall?"

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Under the council’s policy, only three flags are constantly raised throughout the year: the Union Jack, St George’s Cross and the council's crest.

On special occasions, others are raised such as the Armed Forces flag and the British Legion Remembrance flag.

Town councillor Nick Cotter said: "It is a matter of equality and as a Bicester town councillor for the last 16 yrs and district councillor, I say it's long overdue."