IN Harry Mead’s haste to pour scorn on the idea of MPs meeting outside London, he turned his fire on Middlesbrough, but without a firm grasp of the facts (Echo, Sept 30).

Mr Mead criticised the Regional Grand Committee, held in Middlesbrough Town Hall last Friday, as poorly attended and said the setting, the council chamber, was “uninspiring” and “dominated by a threadbare Union Jack”.

The “threadbare” flag was presented to Middlesbrough County Borough Council on Peace Day, July 19, 1919 on behalf of the 9th Battalion the Yorkshire Regiment – volunteers who served their country in the First World War.

It was given to the council to be laid up in perpetuity as a religious symbol. Similar flags can be seen in many civic buildings and churches across the country, including York Minster, Westminster Abbey and Hexham Abbey.

The flag will remain hanging in the council chamber, in memory of the many volunteers in the town who sacrificed their lives for their country in the Great War.

The town hall is listed, marking it out as among the UK’s most important historic buildings.

The town hall was highly praised by MPs attending the committee – Sir Alan Beith, MP for Berwick, said it was a pleasure to be in Middlesbrough’s “magnificent town hall”.

The council chamber is the most important room in the town hall and a great deal of restoration work has been carried out to keep it in excellent condition.

On the day of the committee, public attendance far exceeded expectations with only a few empty seats in the public gallery. Middlesbrough Council was proud to host this unusual and important event.

As a town, Middlesbrough is indeed Moving Forward – but at the same time we take great pride in, and care of, our rich heritage.

Councillor David Budd, Deputy Mayor, Middlesbrough Council.