THERE is some shock news in Crediton that its annual flag display will come to an early end.
Chair of the Crediton Heart Project, Rosemary Stephenson, who co-ordinates the annual display, has this morning, Saturday, June 15, written to all of the 70 shop and business owners on whose premises the flags have been displayed since they were installed on Tuesday, May 28.
She writes: “Due to safety concerns we have regrettably decided to take the flags down on Monday, June 17, earlier than planned.”
She attached a letter to business owners from Crediton Town Council and the Crediton Heart Project explaining the situation.
It reads: “Crediton Heart Project Flag Removal
“In conjunction with Crediton Heart Project, we write regarding the flags on the High Street.
“As you may be aware, the safety of some of the brackets has become a concern. As a precautionary measure, the difficult decision has been made to take down the flags earlier than usual as a matter of public safety.
“Whilst Crediton Town Council undertook a review of each bracket last year, it must be acknowledged that each building has a different substrate, and the fixing cannot be guaranteed. Furthermore, it is the responsibility of each building owner or tenant to ensure that the bracket is safe to use. Neither Crediton Town Council nor Crediton Heart Project is responsible for the maintenance or insurance of individual brackets.
“Crediton Town Council will commission a further review and will investigate options to ensure that the flags and Christmas lights can remain a wonderful fixture in our town.
“If you have any questions regarding this, please do not hesitate to contact Crediton Town Council.”
The letter is signed by Rachel Avery, Town Clerk and Rosemary Stephenson, Chair, Crediton Heart Project.
Each of the flags has been designed to represent a shop or group with the help of local artist Charlotte Turner.
They were installed by the Rotary Club of Crediton Boniface on Tuesday, May 28.
As much as 100 metres of bunting has also been hung around the Town Square.
This year marks the 11th year flags have been displayed in Crediton. The new tradition started in 2013 as a one-off event to adorn the town during the Crediton Festival.
The flags, which were due to stay up for around six weeks, have been made by local people from colourful ripstop nylon offcuts supplied by a hot air balloon company.
Ten new flags were created and put on display this year.
It is believed that the action was taken after a flag, pole and bracket attached to the premises occupied by Mucky Mutts dog grooming at 38 High Street, Crediton, recently became detached from the building, resulting in the flag, pole and bracket ending up on the pavement.