'Outrageous:' Newport councillors asked to fly Telford flag 'respectfully decline'

Newport Town Council has rejected an invitation to fly the Telford flag above the town.

Telford & Wrekin Council had written to Newport’s town clerk Jo Reay and other partners inviting them to raise awareness of the flag and help the borough to join in with the civic pride initiative.

The Telford flag was designed by nine-year-old girl Amelia and has flown above Southwater Square since November 2025. The borough council said it has become "Telford's official borough flag".

But Newport mayor Thomas Janke, who is also a borough councillor, and his cross-party colleagues didn't agree that the Telford flag represents the whole borough.

Councillor Janke said he welcomes initiatives to increase civic pride in Telford and Wrekin.

"Newport itself possesses a rich, impressive history littered with countless examples of strong civic pride."

He welcomed community involvement in creating the flag but said the focus is "exclusively on Telford without representing the broader Wrekin area”.

The mayor said the relationship between Newport and Telford is of "mutual respect and co-operation”.

But Newport residents put Newport first, he said.

"We must respectfully decline the offer," he added.

He went on to wish Telford Day celebrations success when they are held in November.

Councillor David Ellams (South ward) agreed with the "friendly sentiments".

He said it should have been a "Telford and Wrekin flag".

"Telford is a separate town. We fly the Newport flag."

Councillor Tim Nelson (North ward) said: "This is Newport, we are not Telford.

"I think it is outrageous to ask Newport Town Council to fly a Telford flag."

Councillor Nelson also represents his town ward on the borough council.

Former mayor Councillor Ian Perry (North Ward): "Telford & Wrekin is the authority, this is just another town near us.

"We wouldn't fly a Market Drayton flag because they are near us.

"I don't think they would fly a Newport flag to reciprocate."

Councillor Sarah Syrda (East ward and Newport East on the borough council) queried whether a response needed to be sent.

The letter asked: "If you have flag poles on your premises and are happy to support this initiative, please could you let us know ASAP."

Other councillors agreed that a response should be sent.

Councillor Heather Brennan (East ward) restricted her comment to "that's nice for Telford, enjoy”.

Councillor Janke added that he would want to remove "anything seen as combative”.

Jo Reay, the town clerk, said she would respond on behalf of the town council.

Telford & Wrekin Council was invited to comment.