RE your letter from Richard Spires (Your Letters, April 2), the flagpole at the bottom of Church Street, outside Connells estate agents, is privately owned and apparently the owner has no wish for it to be licked by paint.

During the past couple of years I have tried hard to generate some interest in a flagpole for Malvern.

In 2002, at a public meeting, I asked the then town clerk to consider the matter but despite five visits to the council office and phone calls to enquire about any progress, I had no response.

In 2003 I was invited to a resident focus group by Malvern Hills District Council, to consider quality public spaces.

Again I discussed a flagpole, again this was considered a good idea and would be followed by sessions with councillors and other interested parties but so far no response.

As St George's Day approaches, April 23, our neighbours in Ledbury and Upton will be flying the flags.

For Malvern, we must thank the proprietors of the Foley Arms Hotel, who also fly the Union flags and those of St George. A flagpole would instill some national and civic pride.

This year there will be an Elgar Festival in June. Elgar wrote Land of Hope and Glory, how appropriate for the Union flag to be flying at this time.

I'm sure that St David and St Andrew would like to fly from the pole also. The Union flag could be flown on the occasion of royal visitors and other noteworthy events.

Let's hear from other flag pole enthusiasts, perhaps even the town council?

E C Dodsworth, Fernhill Grove, Malvern.