Ballybogey flags issue set to become controversial

Ballybogey Community Association have distributed a questionnaire to residents in the estate asking them to respond to a number of statements principally on flags.

The consultation document tables six statements on flags ranging from would people like to see flags the same as last year, less flags on the main road, no flags on the main road, only one flag on the way into the village and one flag on the way out, one flag pole on the main road and no other flags and only one flag pole at the bonfire site and no other flags on the road. There's a first choice and a second choice option.

The second section, which asks for a straight Yes or No, poses a number of questions including asking if the community would support a date for raising flags and a date for taking them back down after the summer; improving the front of the village by putting flowers and summe seats on the grass verge on the village side and seeking more funding to look at some art projects such as the greyhound and hare sculptures in Mosside.

The flag consultation document was handed in to the Times last week. It says that the Association carried out a community survey last year which yielded great feedback.

It also comments that a lot of the community were worried about the issue of flags that developed last summer and then goes on: "We have been awarded a grant to look at some of these issues and we would like your opinion on what you would like to see this summer. Please by really honest. We need to know what the community think."

Residents were asked to return the completed form to the local shop by 5 p.m. last Thursday.

The results were revealed at a public meeting in Ballybogey Hall on Monday night. The Association had urged people to come along and talk about the way forward over a cup of tea.

However, the Times understands that residents opposed to any reduction in flags in the estate planned to attend to let their views be known in no uncertain terms.

A source commented: "We have no doubt that the Association have set out with good intentions, but any reduction in flags isn't going to happen. We will be putting up quite a number during the marching season and they will be taken down after that. There will be no paramilitary flags, just flags of our country.

"There's no room for compromise on this one."