A DEBATE over the positioning of flags over Fishguard Town Hall has resulted in both flags being taken down from their flagpole, and only to be flown on certain days.

For 17 years the Union flag has flown above the Red Dragon, with little objection. But earlier this month the chairman of the recently formed nationalist party Plaid Glyndwr wrote a letter to a local paper, saying it was ‘disgusting.’

Dennis Morris, who lives 140 miles away in Wrexham, said: “Can Fishguard and Goodwick Town Council please stop flying the Union flag above our Welsh national flag.

“It’s so embarrassing.

"This unnecessary, submissive and colonial habit should have died out many years ago alongside the British Empire.”

The Mayor of Fishguard and Goodwick, Councillor Richard Grosvenor's response was: “The town hall and therefore the flags are responsibility of Pembrokeshire County Council. I understand this 'issue' has been raised by a minor nationalist group based in Wrexham, not locally.”

The County Council takes its flag-flying advice from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport for the UK Government, which issues dates for hoisting and etiquette. The advice states that the appropriate national flag may not be flown in a more prominent position than the Union flag.

It has now been decided to take down both flags.

A Pembrokeshire County Council spokesman said: “Following the recent debate regarding the flying of the Union flag above the Welsh flag outside Fishguard Town Hall, in future the flags will only be displayed on the specified flag-flying days - as is the case with County Hall.

“On those days, arrangements will be made so as to give both flags equal prominence.”

Dates for hoisting flags on UK government buildings in 2014 include April 21, the birthday of Her Majesty the Queen, June 2, Coronation Day, November 9, Remembrance Sunday, and November 20, Her Majesty’s Wedding Day.

Mr Morris said he was pleased the Red Dragon was being given equal prominence, but would like to see it flown every day.