“Batman” has come to the aid of a local councillor to hang Union Jacks around Bryn town centre in Wigan ahead of Remembrance Day.
Independent councillor Steve Jones was joined by a man dressed as the Caped Crusader as they united to hang the flags to “celebrate our country and its history”.
The moment came about after Mr Jones, who represents Bryn with Ashton-in-Makerfield North on Wigan Council, had his request to fly the Union Flag from local public buildings like libraries and the leisure centre rejected.
His first attempt to personally attach flags to railings in the local area was quickly dashed after the banners were torn down by unknown individuals.
But Mr Jones’s hopes to see the nation’s flags flying proudly for Remembrance Day were then rescued by a fellow local dressed as the iconic superhero.
Jonny Speakman, a small business owner and window cleaner, donned a Batman costume to aid the councilor’s efforts.
Mr Jones, who held the ladder while Mr Speakman scaled lamp posts, explained the choice of costume was “to add a bit of fun” to their work.
“We’re just trying to keep it simple here in Bryn. It’s a good time to celebrate our country and its history,” he explained.
Independent councillor Steve Jones was joined by a man dressed as Batman to hand Union Jacks in Bryn, Wigan
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STEVE JONES
“It’s about pride, not politics,” Mr Jones added.
He continued: “Rightly or wrongly, the flag has been pulled into that (immigration) argument.
“Everyone has their views on national policy, but this is about local pride,” he stressed.
Mr Jones said he had received an outpouring of support from the local community, with a social media poll returning his “biggest ever” response in favour of flying the Union flag in Bryn.
‘It’s about pride, not politics,’ Mr Jones said of the pair’s mission
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STEVE JONES
The Independent Councillor explained the flags were part of the run-in to Remembrance Sunday, with poppy displays to follow.
Wigan Council has also said it proudly flies the Union flag under established protocols.
The local authority assured residents that they are free to display flags on private property in a statement issued on September 3 this year.
However, Wigan Council also warned that flags or street painting in public spaces “must not pose safety risks or result in criminal damage”.
Mr Jones said the mission was part of the run-in to Remembrance Sunday, with poppy displays to follow
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STEVE JONES
The authority informed that removals of such demonstrations would incur costs to the public purse.
“We recognise that flags can evoke strong emotions and differing views. As always, we encourage respectful expression that reflects our shared commitment to inclusion and civic pride,” Wigan Council added.
Mr Jones has said he had been in contact with Wigan Council’s director of highways regarding the hanging of flags.
The official had apparently confirmed to Mr Jones over email that flags placed by residents on street furniture would not be removed.
