Community engagement evening is not public meeting on 'Raise the Colours' flags

A COMMUNITY engagement event in Minehead on Tuesday evening (October 20) has been mistakenly identified as a public meeting to debate flags which were strung from lampposts on the town’s sea front last week.

The Union flags and Cross of St George were put up by ‘Flagman’ during an overnight visit to the seaside resort.

But now, ‘Flagman’ has confused Somerset Council’s intention to remove the flags and recover the costs from him, with a town council engagement event which had been in the diary for months.

‘Flagman’ has called on as many residents as possible to attend the drop-in session from 7.30 pm to 9 pm in the Irnham Road Community Centre to defend the flags.

He said on social media: “You would think the council would be pleased that somebody has taken it upon themselves to fly our national flags proudly along the seafront for everybody to see and enjoy, at no cost to the taxpayer.”

However, the town council pointed out the meeting was simply part of a regular series of engagement events aimed at bringing together local community groups, organisations, councillors, and residents for ‘an evening of conversation, information sharing, and community networking’.

It will provide an opportunity to find out more about the many projects, activities, and services taking place across the town, discover ways to be involved in community life, and share ideas for the future of Minehead.

A town council spokesperson said: “Unlike a formal council meeting, there will be no agenda, speeches, debates, or decisions.

“Instead, residents are welcome to drop in, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, meet local organisations, and speak informally with town councillors and other attendees.”

A range of community groups and partner organisations will be present throughout the evening, offering information on their activities and highlighting opportunities for residents to take part in local projects, clubs, and volunteering initiatives.

Representatives from Wessex Water will also be available to answer questions and provide information on water services, billing, and wastewater matters.

The spokesperson said: “Our community engagement events are designed to bring people together in an informal and welcoming setting, providing opportunities for conversation, questions, and idea-sharing that can sometimes be difficult to achieve within the formal structure of council meetings and agendas.

“Minehead has a fantastic range of community groups, volunteers, and organisations doing great work throughout the year, and these events are a wonderful opportunity for residents to discover more about them.

“They also provide a chance to speak with councillors, find out what is happening across the town, and share ideas that matter to the community.

“Whether you want to ask a question, raise a suggestion, learn about local projects, or simply enjoy a chat over a cup of tea or coffee, everybody is welcome.

“Residents are welcome to attend at any point during the evening.”