Staines councillor wants shops to fly British flag

Jun 4 2009 By Adam Courtney

Cllr Denise Turner-Stewart

Staines and Ashford councillor Denise Turner-Stewart wants to hand out Union Jack flags to shopkeepers in a bid to inspire youngsters and improve morale.

Mrs Turner-Stewart will explore whether she can fund a scheme in conjunction with Spelthorne Council, because she feels the current generation of youngsters lack pride in their country and believes that, with the nation embroiled in a political and economic storm, a show of patriotism can help improve the mood.

She said: "Given the level of despair at the moment, I think it would be quite refreshing. I feel the younger generation have had a decade of not having this kind of pride instilled in them and I feel it would give them a greater sense of identity.

"I do not mean this to be nationalistic, more that, in these times, I feel this sort of thing could help people in some way. If there were interested parties, I will try and push for this because I have managed to get the flag flying at council headquarters, as well as at County Hall in Kingston. We could hand flags to shops and maybe get them flying at community buildings."

Her idea has found favour with shopkeepers in Stainash Parade, Kingston Road, Ashford, who say they would embrace the scheme.

Mike Khan, who owns Valette Dry Cleaners, said: "I would be pleased to do it because at the moment the mood of the nation is very low. Most people are of the view that we have got nothing to be proud of, but I disagree and anything that can help lift the mood would be useful."

Sue Calverley, who runs Staines Balloons and Cards, said: "I would be happy to do things like this because I think it could act as a symbol of the renewal of peoples' spirits.

"Things are quite bad round here because the shops are empty and, ever since the post office closed, things have been getting worse. But this might help."