Rugby flies flag for Warwickshire Pride

At a short ceremony on Friday (16 August), Cllr Derek Poole, Chair of Rugby Borough Council's Equality and Diversity Steering Group, joined Clara Wicks, a trustee of Warwickshire Pride to raise the flag together.

Cllr Derek Poole said: "After flying the rainbow flag over Rugby for the first time in February, for LGBT+ history month, we are pleased to fly the flag again to commemorate the Pride festival taking place this weekend.

Rugby's LGBT+ communities are valued and respected, and it's important to fly the rainbow flag to show our support."

Clara Wicks said: "The Warwickshire Pride festival is the highlight of the year for LGBT+ communities in Warwickshire, and as a Rugby resident I'm thrilled to see Rugby Borough Council give this clear expression of support.

"Warwickshire Pride is pleased to be working with the council and would encourage other councils to consider working with us in a similar way."

Rugby Borough Council and Warwickshire Pride have adopted a joint action plan aimed at making sure LGBT+ communities in Rugby feel safe and supported. Flying the rainbow flag on key dates was one action, while others included providing training for council staff and other public sector agencies, and providing support services and safe places for LGBT+ communities.

Warwickshire Pride takes place in the Pump Room Gardens, Leamington Spa, from 11am to 6pm on Saturday 17 August. For more information see www.warwickshirepride.co.uk.