IMAGINE my surprise when cutting through Bank Park from Golden Square Shopping Centre and passing Warrington law courts.

I glanced up at the grass island in front of the entrance to find no flag at the top of the flagpole – just an empty lanyard.

As a former security officer for Butlins holiday centres in the 1980s, one of the duties I most relished was ‘hoisting the Union Flag’ in the early hours.

It was the highlight.

I realize that Warrington is encountering ‘hard times’, but surely, this is merely a sign of disrespect for Britain itself.

TIM CLEWORTH

Warrington