Disappointment at lack of Guildhall Square bunting
PORTSMOUTH’S council boss has been forced to defend the city after the island’s patriotic pride came under fire.
Councillor Gerald VernonJackson hailed Portsmouth as one of the most patriotic cities in the UK as it braces itself to celebratetheQueen’sPlatinum Jubilee over the coming days.
Itcomesafterthecitycouncil came under fire for a lack of bunting and jubilee decorations in Guildhall Square.
Florist Tara Flood was among those people to raise theirfrustrationattheabsence of flags.
The 52-year-old, who grew upinSouthseabutisnowliving on the Isle of Wight, said she remembered the city centre decked in red, white, and blue for the Silver Jubilee in 1977.
Speaking to The New s,
Tara said: ‘In 1977 everything wasdecorated.Everyothercelebration I have seen the Guildhall even had bunting.
‘But for the Platinum Jubilee,thereisnothing.Ijustthink
it’sreallyawfulandpoor.Iactually can’t believe it.’
Retired soldier Patrick Casey, of Waterlooville, was also in Guildhall Square and expresseddisappointmentatthe lack of bunting.
However,heinsistedhewas confident the city would rally to stage a stunning event for the Queen.
The 61-year-old said: ‘It is sad there aren’t more decorations in Guildhall Square.
‘But Portsmouth is a city that always celebrates the armed forces and does it the best.
‘And I know there is a real love and pride in the Queen and in Britain.
‘So I’m not worried.’
Cllr Vernon-Jackson brushed aside the comments and said the whole city was expected to come alive over the four-day weekend to celebrate the Queen.
He added: ‘I think we have more jubilee street parties in Portsmouth than anywhere else in the country.
‘We have 130 parties in Portsmouth… I think it says everything about how we’re a community city.
‘This is about celebrating with our neighbours. But it is also about links with the military – we’re home of the Royal Navy and people do want to celebratealifewell-livedbythe Queen and all she has done for the country throughout her life.’
Millions of people across the country are expected to attend street parties and events, with some 200,000 planned across the UK over the next four days.