VILLAGERS are backing the farmer who is in breach of the law by flying the Yorkshire flag, and plan to fly their own flags as a sign of their support.

Ryedale District Council (RDC) wrote to Andrew Wainwright telling him he must apply for advertising consent and pay a £60 charge before he raises the White Rose on his farm in Sproxton, near Helmsley.

At Sproxton Parish Meeting this week, the clerk, Joanna Oliver, reported that many residents wanted details of where they could purchase Yorkshire flags to fly in support of Mr Wainwright.

She said: "I have been instructed to write letters of support of Mr Wainwright from Sproxton Village Meeting to everyone from RDC to John Prescott, whose department is responsible for planning regulations."

Ryedale district councillor Keith Knaggs has also expressed his dismay at the council's conduct. In an open letter to the chief executive, he stated: "As one of your councillors, I am less than pleased to find that the council has made itself a national laughing stock by its attitude to a citizen who had the temerity to fly Yorkshire's flag without humbly seeking the council's permission."

He also said that there are many complaints which the council does not follow up because of their lack of substance, commenting: "Has no one at Ryedale House got any common sense?"

Chief executive of RDC Harold Mosely said the council had "in no way given the matter priority".

He said the council had first written to Mr Wainwright about the matter in July, and as no application has been received, the council would have to consider whether to take any action. No decision has been, or is scheduled to be, made by the council.

Mr Mosely added: "If we receive any complaints that have reasonable foundation, we will investigate them. We have to, it's the law of the land."

A spokesman for the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister said: "Under the town and country regulations of 1992, the rules state that if you want to fly a flag other than the national flag, then you have to apply for permission.

"We realise it may seem bureaucratic, but the reasons the controls are in place are to prevent flags which are offensive.

"I think its important that we can be pro-active on this matter rather than retrospective, so we can approve a flag before it's flown rather than have to take action against someone because, for example, they have incited racial hatred."

Mr Wainwright says he intends to continue flying his flag.

Updated: 11:26 Wednesday, December 17, 2003