COUNCILLORS are flying the flag for a youth group which has helped cut anti social behaviour in a town centre by half.

Northallerton Youth Space asked the Town Council for permission to fly the Pride flag, the rainbow flag adopted by the LGBTQ community, outside the Town Hall on Friday July 26. They’ll be marking the first anniversary of their youth group being established and are keen fly the flag.

There was confusion at the council meeting over what flags can be flown from the Town Hall building after concern over whether they were allowed to put up the flag for the UCI Cycling Road World Championships which is currently being flown.

That’s to mark the fact that the men's elite time trial race for the World Championships is starting off in the town on Wednesday September 25, with time trial starting points between the Town Hall and Boots the Chemist. The Town Council flag is flown on days when council meetings are held.

Deputy Mayor Councillor Claire Palmer said there were legal issues to do with flying flags from the council building and they needed to investigate. Councillor Ken Archer added: "Well if there are legal problems why are we flying it? We need to find out."

But Councillor David Richardson said they should support the flying of the Pride flag as requested by Youth Space. "I can’t see any reason why the council would be against flying the flag which promotes diversity and inclusivity. Not flying it would put the town in a very bad light."

Mayor Councillor John Forrest said Youth Space had done an amazing job since it had been set up a year ago with council help. He read out a report from Northallerton Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant Sgt Simon Wilson who said it had created a safe and positive environment for young people.

Sgt Wilson added: "Further proof is a reduction in anti social behaviour on Friday evenings of 49 per cent since January this year. This is great work by all involved and well done to the young people who have responded to this scheme in such a great way."

Cllr Phil Eames said: "Look at the success Youth Space is having. I really feel this is a chance to put forward a sensitive message that we are an inclusive council in an inclusive town."

The group runs every Friday night from 6.45pm to 7.45pm for school years seven and eight with a second session running from 8pm to 9pm for years nine and above. Entry is free offering many activities including table tennis, X-box, music and crafts and games. Free hot snacks and drinks are available along with a tuck shop. It operates with backing from North Yorkshire Youth as well as the town council and other community groups including the police. www.nyy.org.uk/main/news/northallerton-youth-space