THE European flag has been removed from three town centre locations in Renfrewshire.

Councillors voted last week to ditch the distinctive blue flag from Houstoun Square, in Johnstone, Renfrew Town Hall and Renfrewshire House, in Cotton Street, Paisley, now that Brexit has taken place.

Despite the SNP group and sole Liberal Democrat member Eileen McCartin voting to keep the flag in place, other parties on the council united to call for its removal as they supported a motion lodged by Conservative representative Neill Graham.

Councillor Graham, who represents Paisley Northeast and Ralston, said it was time the local authority showed it respects the result of the 2016 referendum on the UK’s membership of the European Union.

He added: “I’m aware many people voted to remain in the EU. I understand and respect that but the argument of remain or leave is now over.

“We have left the EU but not Europe. As a continent, we face many challenges and we need to have close co-operation with our European friends.

“I have heard various councillors saying the flag should remain up because we remain in the Council of Europe but we have an opportunity to fly a flag that unites the whole of Renfrewshire.

“Let’s do what is right to show the people of Renfrewshire that we, as a chamber, respect referendums.”

Despite voting to remove the flag, Labour councillors did complain about the level of debate which had been staged.

Councillor Eddie Devine, leader of the Labour group, said: “People who are going to foodbanks do not care what flag we fly.

“This is a nonsense talk about a flag. Nobody cares. You cannae eat a flag.”

Councillor Jim Sharkey added: “Systematically, this council has been stripped of its real influence and that’s why we end up discussing things which cannot be eaten.”

The EU flag was “respectfully lowered” at all three locations on Friday morning.

However, it will be put back in place temporarily on Europe Day each year, which takes place in May.