Former Mayor of Kirklees calls on council to recognise Dewsbury's historic civic flag as part of new policy
A former Mayor of Kirklees says Dewsbury’s civic heritage should be respected as the council reviews its flag-flying rules.
Long-serving former councillor Eric Firth is calling on Kirklees Council to recognise Dewsbury’s historic civic flag, saying the policy should allow the town’s distinctive heritage to be represented alongside the wider identities of Kirklees and Yorkshire.
At the start of last month, Leader of the Council, Coun Sarah Wood, announced her decision to change Kirklees’ flag policy. Under the new policy, only certain flags – such as the Union Flag and Flag of St George – can be flown above the borough’s four town halls, along with a selection of specific flags for named days.
But the move caused serious upset among some councillors and communities, and led to a successful “call-in” by the Kirklees Lib Dem group. The policy has been sent back to Coun Wood for reconsideration.
The Dewsbury County Borough flag and civic arms predate the creation of Kirklees.
Dewsbury’s civic arms were granted in 1893, and the town became a County Borough in 1913. They bear the motto “Deus Noster Refugium Et Virtus”, which translates as “God is our refuge and strength”.
Taken from Psalm 46, the motto has formed part of Dewsbury’s civic heritage for more than a century.
Mr Firth said: “For me, this is about much more than a flag. It is about whether we continue to recognise and respect the history of the towns and communities that make up Kirklees.
“I am proud to have served as Mayor of Kirklees, but I am equally proud to be a Dewsbury resident.
“Kirklees was created from communities with histories that go back many generations. We should celebrate those histories, not dismiss them because the current administration has adopted a national political approach to flag policy.
“The Dewsbury County Borough flag is a tangible reminder of that history.”
He added: “I am not asking for Dewsbury’s history to be placed above that of any other community in Kirklees. I am asking for it to be respected.
“The Reform administration has shown little respect for that principle in this misguided policy. It appears to prioritise a narrow national approach over the rich and varied histories of the communities that make up Kirklees.
“We should be able to celebrate being from Kirklees, Yorkshire and Dewsbury. These identities are not mutually exclusive.
“A council building in Dewsbury should be capable of reflecting Dewsbury’s history without diminishing anybody else’s.”
He added: “Dewsbury’s history did not begin in 1974 with the creation of Kirklees.
“Our history deserves a place in our future.”
Dewsbury Chamber of Trade has given its support to Mr Firth’s views and is calling on the Reform cabinet to have a conversation with groups in the town, as well as the ward councillors.
Chamber president Paul Ellis added: “With our vast experience, the chamber would welcome conversations at any time with all our town’s nine councillors on any Dewsbury issues, especially in the town centre.”
Kirklees Council has been approached for comment.