THE FLYING of the Pakistani flag at Accrington town hall for tonight's mayor-making ceremony has been criticised.

The Union Jack and the flag of Pakistan will be flying alongside each other as Councillor Mirza Yousaf is installed as mayor of Hyndburn.

The council says both banners are being flown to reflect the "East Meets West" theme of Coun Yousaf's mayoral year.

But council tax payer Mr Leslie Bradshaw, 69, of Willows Lane, Accrington, said: "It's disgraceful. This is Britain, not Pakistan.

"I'm sure he's a very decent fellow but why should we allow the Pakistan flag to fly on our flagpole. It may be OK at sports events like a cricket Test match but this is a far different thing."

Mayor's secretary Elaine Wright said: "The mayor originates from Pakistan and we thought it would be nice to have both the Union flag and the Pakistani flag flying for the mayor-making and supper. It has the full backing of the chief executive and the leader of the council."

Last year the European flag was flown alongside the Union flag to reflect coun Mrs Jean Battle's theme of "Hyndburn In Europe".

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