A NUMBER of Crediton business owners and group leaders have received an open letter concerning the cancellation of the Crediton Flag Project.

It reads: We are writing to you because you have taken part, or expressed an interest, in the Crediton Flag Project.

It is with great regret that a joint decision has been made not to run the project this summer.

This is due to safety concerns, following an incident last year when a flagpole bracket fell off the wall causing some damage to a shop front, but luckily no injuries.

Crediton Town Council has since carried out a survey of all the brackets, which concluded that some may not be strong enough to withstand the considerable strain of the heavy wooden poles and large flags, which act like sails in strong winds.

Although this popular project has run safely without accidents for 13 years, I am sure you will understand that public safety is an absolute priority for both the Crediton Heart Project, who coordinate the project, and Crediton Town Council, who fund it.

We understand that this will be very disappointing for those of you who have invested time and money in designing and making a flag for your organisation.

We do hope to find another, safer way of displaying at least some of your beautiful flags during various community events this summer and beyond.

If you would rather take possession of your flag, to use in other ways, please let us know by emailing Rosemary Stephenson at: [email protected] and we will deliver it to you.

(Please note that if you decide to hang it above your shop you will need to supply your own flagpole and have your own public liability insurance, as it will not be covered by Crediton Town Council nor the Heart Project’s insurance).

If you have any queries, or suggestions of how else we can display the flags, please do get in touch.

Rachel Avery

Town Clerk

Rosemary Stephenson

Chair, Crediton Heart Project