Cheshire East Council is flagging up its support for England during the World Cup.
The authority is proudly flying the flag of St George above its offices in Crewe, Macclesfield and Sandbach to show it is behind the national football team’s bid for glory in South Africa – and to end more than 40 years of hurt.
Council Leader Wesley Fitzgerald said: “Cheshire East will be playing its part and displaying the flag of St George with pride over its offices during the World Cup.
“We hope the flags will still be flying with high expectation come the World Cup Final.”
Cheshire East Mayor Councillor Gordon Baxendale also backed the move, adding: “The World Cup is an opportunity for councils to do their bit in helping reclaim the English flag as a proud symbol of our nation's identity.
"We think that the Government's point about using this as an opportunity to help people from all backgrounds to come together in support of the England team in the tournament is something we should certainly be supporting.”
Cheshire East has given the thumbs up to its employees displaying flags or window stickers, etc, on council vehicles to show their support for England in the World Cup – provided that any displays are reasonable and do not interfere with drivers’ vision, or any health and safety requirements.
Councils across England are being encouraged to support communities who want to fly flags and show their support for teams competing in the World Cup. England has only won the trophy once – in 1966.
Local Government Minister Grant Shapps has written to councils urging them not to be 'spoilsports' and to take a common sense approach to flag flying during the tournament.
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