A GROUP backed by the main loyalist paramilitary organisations has called for flags erected during the marching season to be taken down, following the marking of 'Ulster Day'.
The Loyalist Communities Council (LCC) repeated an appeal made last year for all flags to be removed on September 28 or "as soon as possible".
Yesterday was the anniversary of the signing of the Ulster Covenant by almost half a million people in opposition to Home Rule in 1912.
In May 2016, the LCC - which has the backing of the UVF, the UDA and the Red Hand Commando - announced a protocol on loyalist flags and emblems during the marching season.
It called for flags to be flown for no longer than three months from June and said that while it "cannot enforce this protocol" it was urging its "widespread adoption, and adherence to, in loyalist and unionist areas".
The umbrella grouping, formed to help "connect loyalism to civic society", said the aim was to "prevent our national emblems being left on display in a dilapidated state".
In a statement this week, the Loyalist Communities Council said: "We ask that, as agreed, all remaining flags be taken down on or as soon as possible after Ulster Day - 28th September 2017.
"Flags and emblems are highly potent symbols of community allegiances and are important demonstrators of our loyalist and unionist heritage and culture. Please treat them as such – many thanks."
