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New Longton villagers rally against Pride flag hate mail

New Longton & Whitestake Community People staging Pride rally outside a post officeNew Longton & Whitestake Community
Villagers say they had to "make a stand" and fly more Pride flags in support of the couple

A gay couple who were sent hate mail for putting up a Pride flag in the post office they run have said they are "overwhelmed" by villagers' support.

Dozens of people brought out even bigger rainbow flags to "make a stand" during a rally outside the New Longton Post Office near Preston.

Nathan Jones and Daniel Cooper have been sent three other homophobic letters since taking over the shop.

The latest card told them to take the "revolting flag" down.

They had put the rainbow flag up to mark, Pride month, which is dedicated to celebrating LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

The couple said the demonstration "sent out a message there was no room" for hate.

Mr Jones and Mr Cooper moved to New Longton from the Isle of Man in February and had already received three other anonymous letters before receiving this "cowardly" card.

It read: "Get that revolting flag down. This is a Christian village (3 churches) and children pass by."

Mr Cooper said: "We were shocked. It is fine to have an opinion but not to dictate to others.

"It is wrong on so many levels."

Daniel Cooper and Nathan Jones
Daniel Cooper (left) and Nathan Jones say the "cowardly" anonymous card has backfired

The 29-year-old added that the card had "backfired" because "rather than remove the flag and us hide behind a rock there are Pride flags plastered everywhere and it has united the community".

He said the reaction from villagers, including being contacted by the head of two churches saying they did not condone it, had "meant so much".

"We were going to up and move but now we're stronger than ever," he added.

Nathan Jones Card with writing onNathan Jones
The hate mail told the post office to take the "revolting" rainbow flag down

Sarah, who lives in the village, was disgusted by the card and helped organise the demonstration.

She said: "I wanted to make a stand and show unity.

"The turnout was brilliant and I hope the person who sent the letters saw that those views aren't tolerated."

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The mayor and mayoress of South Ribble, David Howarth and Angela Turner, were among those who attended the rally.

Mr Howarth said: "I was appalled when I heard about [the homophobic abuse] purely for waving a Pride flag and had to show my support.

"For a borough which prides itself on inclusivity, diversity and equality there is no place for hate," he added.

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