PATRIOTIC town hall bosses could break with tradition by flying the St George’s Cross all-year-round instead of the Union Flag.

Tendring Council will be flying the English Cross of St George today in honour of the country’s patron saint.

Leader David Lines said he wants to open a debate into whether the change could be made permanently, with the Union Flag only being flown on special occasions. The move would be in breach of guidance from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

He said: “This is something we have been talking about in the council, but we would welcome all views on this.

“It is not just we want to run the St George’s flag up the flag pole, but it would help us to mark special occasions, such as the Queen’s birthday and bank holidays, with the Union Flag.”

“The English standard could become the standard, so to speak, with the St George’s Cross up most days. We are an English council in the UK.”

Government guidance says the St George’s Cross should only be flown on Government buildings with two or more flag poles, but buildings with just a single pole should fly the Union Flag.

It continues: “The Government hopes that when considering their own flag-flying policies, these organisations may like to consider the spirit of the changes reflected in this document to encourage greater use of the Union Flag locally, subject to any local planning requirement.”