A COUNCIL embarrassed by a law that forced it to demand a farmer take down a Yorkshire flag flying over his property has decided to campaign for a change in the regulations.
Andrew Wainwright, of Sproxton Hall Farm, near Helmsley, North Yorkshire, used to fly the Union Flag from a pole on his land without a problem, because there are no rules that apply to the national standard.
However, when he switched to the white rose on a blue background, complaints from neighbours forced Ryedale District Council to step in.
The authority said it had no choice but to intervene because the county flag fell in the same category as advertising material.
It said Mr Wainwright would have to pay £60 or remove the flag.
However, some residents were so incensed by the decision that they began a leaflet campaign in support of Mr Wainwright.
On Thursday, Ryedale District Council agreed it would join calls for a change in the legislation. The authority will write to MP John Greenway and request his backing in Parliament.
Mr Wainwright said: "This is marvellous. It was obvious the ruling was a silly idea. Let us let common sense prevail."
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