Council flies a Scottish flag to support the UK

In support of the Union! Ashfield District Council councillors, from left, Chris Baron,Cheryl Butler, Jim Aspinall, John Wilmott, and Linford Gibbons prepare to raise Scottish Saltire at the council offices in Kirkby on Monday.

Ashfield District Council joined councils and communities across England, Wales and Northern Ireland in showing its support for a United Kingdom, ahead of the vote on Scottish Independence by flying the Scottish flag.

The Saltire was raised at the Council Offices, Urban Road, Kirkby on Monday.

As the vote on Scottish independence became too close to call, this week Coun Cheryl Butler Deputy Leader of Ashfield District Council, said: “We are showing support for the no campaign - we want to keep Scotland with us.

“Scots have played a vital role in shaping the UK over the decades and we have all benefited from that.

By losing them, I think we will we will end up with a coalition Government from here on in and from my point of view we don’t want to lose the NHS .

“Without Scotland it would be more difficult to have a Labour Government and I am quite scared about what would happen.

“I find myself agreeing with David Cameron - this is not like a General Election where you can vote again in five years, this is a permanent thing.”

Nottinghamshire County Council is flying The Saltire at County Hall, alongside the Union Jack and flag of St George which are flown every day.

The decision to fly the flag comes following an appeal by Ed Miliband, the Leader of the Opposition, for councils, communities and individuals to show unity with Scottish people and support the union.

The ‘Better Off Together’ campaign, which is calling for a ‘No’ vote in tomorrow’s poll, has the support of all the UK’s main political parties.

Councillor Alan Rhodes, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, said: ““I passionately believe in the benefits of a United Kingdom to us all. A break-up of our historic partnership would have damaging repercussions which would be felt by everyone - including Nottinghamshire.”