WINCHESTER civic chiefs have come under fire for the lack of festive bunting and flags in the centre to celebrate the Jubilee.

Whilst other towns such as Romsey and Bishop's Waltham have put up bunting the High Street has only one banner near the junction with Market Street and Upper Brook Street.

The one-sided banner says 'Congratulations to Her Majesty the Queen on the occasion of her Platinum Jubilee".

The Union flag was yesterday flying from the Guildhall, replacing the Ukrainian flag.

Other towns such as Romsey and Bishop's Waltham have adorned their main streets with decorations to mark the unique event.

No major public events have been organised for the city centre over the holiday period.

The new council leader Martin Tod told the Chronicle: "I’ve heard loud and clear that some people were disappointed by the lack of flags and bunting in the centre of Winchester itself.  Normally, city centre decorations like the Christmas lights and hanging baskets – or even jubilee bunting – are organised by local business. And, of course, the Guildhall was proudly flying the union flag. However I will be talking to partners on Monday about how the City Council can work with business and the community to ensure we better meet community expectations on future occasions."

Several High Street shops such as Closs and Hamblin have made an effort with special window displays.

READ MORE HERE: Platinum Jubilee events in the Winchester area

Mike Coker-Davies, of Upper Brook Street, told the Chronicle: "I am horrified at Winchester City Council's complete lack of interest in the Queen's Jubilee celebrations. One, one sided banner in the high street and a few little bits by the Great Hall! This is clearly not a money issue as bunting and flags abound on the internet at almost no cost.

"This then leaves the question why ? Is it a Political statement or an attitude of complete indifference. It could of course be both."

AP Lodge, from Teg Down, told the Chronicle: "For most of its history Winchester was known as a Royalist city. Not that you'd notice it today. What a miserable lot our council have been over the Jubilee: the only signs of celebration come from individual businesses, and well done them. Celebration is good for business after all. But go to other places - in Test Valley, Wiltshire and Dorset for example - and the streets are cheerful, decked with flags and bunting."

The issue has been widely raised on social media sites. Maureen Carter posted on nextdoor: "A total shambles. Walking through the High Street this evening not one flag! Shame on WCC. HCC even worse. (Where) are the hanging baskets? Last year I counted over 200? BID do you have answers?"

Carolyn Martin posted on the same site: "I am extremely disappointed with the local council. Winchester was once the capital of England. It’s a poor effort. No bunting, no celebration.  Also, very few shops have decorated their windows. In the past most shops would decorate for special occasions. Surely BID or the Camber of Commerce could have organised a competition for the best dressed windows. Many surrounding villages and towns have put Winchester to shame."

But Ben Sowton, posting on nextdoor, gave a different view: "Personally very happy that money wasn’t squandered on single use plastic during a cost of living crisis."

The Chronicle has asked the city council and council leader Martin Tod for comment.

In a statement Cllr Tod said: "The council’s main priority was to support events across the district – since we know from our own experience that jubilee street parties, community festivals, beacons and other such events stay with people for a lifetime.

"We supported 49 temporary road closures for street parties and gave grants to 12 different community jubilee events in the city and across the district – as well as making sure the Visitor Information Centre and the visitwinchester website were hubs of information that directed people to other jubilee events in the city and district.

"The council is actively supporting the Queen’s Green Canopy event – planting trees in Winchester and across the district.  The council have supplied plaques to mark these events to 24 parishes, 48 council housing sites and 27 council-maintained open spaces which – alongside the trees themselves - will provide recognition to Her Majesty’s remarkable record of service for many years to come.

"And, of course, the Mayor and other councillors represented the council at the Platinum Jubilee Service of Thanksgiving & Celebration at the cathedral.

"My hope that all the events and parties that we’ve been able to support this weekend give people lifelong happy and positive memories of this jubilee.

"I’ve heard loud and clear that some people were disappointed by the lack of flags and bunting in the centre of Winchester itself.  Normally, city centre decorations like the Christmas lights and hanging baskets – or even jubilee bunting – are organised by local business. And, of course, the Guildhall was proudly flying the union flag. However I will be talking to partners on Monday about how the City Council can work with business and the community to ensure we better meet community expectations on future occasions."

 

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