Derbyshire villagers fly rainbow flags to defy parish council

Rainbow flags were flown by defiant residents of a village whose parish council voted against putting them up.

Ockbrook and Borrowash Parish Council in Derbyshire was branded "out of touch" for its decision, which resulted in two councillors resigning.

Campaigner and resident Gregory Maskalick encouraged people to fly the flag regardless and felt a "sense of awe" after more than 50 households and businesses showed support.

The council has been asked for comment.

The parish council bought several rainbow flags - a symbol of the LBGTQ+ community - last year in anticipation of supporting Pride month in June.

Councillors Jeff and Sheila Owen resigned when the motion was rejected and the decision not to fly the flag was widely criticised on a community Facebook page.

Mr Maskalick, who set up the Ockbrook and Borrowash Diversity Group, said the voting result "did not represent the community I have lived in for 23 years".

"This is more than about a flag - it's about the community supporting all diversity. In this instance the Pride flag was the focus," said the 60-year-old.

"I was humbled to see so many households and businesses coming together to show positivity."

In a previous statement, the council's chairman Michael White had said flying the flag could be divisive and set a "dangerous precedent" for the authority.

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