THE European flag will not be flying in Droitwich Spa during next year's VE Day celebrations.

Droitwich town councillors discussed whether the flag of the European Union (EU) should fly outside the council buildings during the Victory in Europe Day celebratory weekend, which is on May 7 and 8.

The matter was considered at the community and amenities meeting last Monday.

Councillor Graham Gopsill (Lib Dem-Central), who is organising the event, said the flag should not be flown because it is not in keeping with the theme of the celebrations.

Cllr Jan Clarke (Lib Dem-West) added: "I do not think we should fly it, personally."

Committee chairman, Cllr Kate Spencer (Con-East), reminded councillors a European flag would have to be bought as the town does not own one already.

However, Cllr Roy Seabourne (Lab-West) disagreed, "I think you are all wrong. Europe fought a civil war between 1914 and 1945. The significance of 1945 was that that it was the end of nations fighting.

"Flying the European flag would be the most dramatic expression of that."

Cllr Don Lawley (Con-South East) said: "As a town council we have to think of what everyone is thinking and there will be people who are worrying about what is flying on the council's buildings."

Cllr Gopsill went on: "I understand what Roy is saying but the whole VE Day is going to be like a film set and the flag would be out of context with that."

It was decided the European flag would not fly on VE Day but instead on Europe Day, which is May 9.