COUNCIL chiefs have apologised to war veterans for the failure to raise the Union Flag at the town hall as a mark of respect during Sunday's D-Day ceremony at Victoria Square.

St Helens veterans gathered to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Normandy landings, but many felt the absence of the flag was disrespectful to the thousands of young soldiers who sacrificed their lives for our freedom.

Leslie Sumner, 78, who served with the RAF for 26 years, said it was an insult to those who had lost their lives and St Helens war veterans. Stuart Dean, a veteran of the Northern Ireland conflict, called on St Helens Council to hold their heads in shame.

On Monday, St Helens Council sent a letter expressing their sincerest apologies, delivered by hand, to Jimmy Lane, Thatto Heath British Legion chairman, organiser of St Helens D-day ceremony.

A separate statement issued by St Helens Council read: "The Council can only apologise sincerely for the fact that the flag, which had been flying all of the previous week, was taken down on Friday (June 4) when it ought to have continued flying until the D-Day ceremony.

"The Council is now investigating why the flag was inexplicably lowered. It stresses that the mayor of St Helens and the Council have the highest regard and greatest respect for the war veterans and the Royal British Legion."

Invitations

Council Leader Marie Rimmer and Coun Betty Lowe, were present at the ceremony, but there has also been disappointment among veterans that more councillors did not attend.

Mr Lane, 68, said he was informed that invitations sent to St Helens Council, had not been passed on to other councillors.

During the ceremony at Victoria Square the congregation complained they could not hear the service because a speaker system was not used.

According to Mr Lane, in the days prior to the event, the Legion had asked to use a microphone system at the event, but were told they would be charged £50.

Veterans said the situation was made worse by buses passing the square during the ceremony. The Royal British Legion said they had failed to notify the bus services about the ceremony.