THE LACK of Jubilee bunting on Chepstow High Street may have been down to a small group of anti-Royalists on the town council, it has been claimed.

Fashion shop owner Angela Seymour brought up the issue of the absence of Union Jacks and red, white and blue bunting in public areas at the Chepstow Chamber of Commerce meeting last week.

Mrs Seymour, who runs Runway in High Street, said: "I have heard a rumour – and it is rather negative view of the town council – that the reason for the lack of bunting was that there is a small group of anti-Royalists on the town council."

That suggestion was quickly quashed by two town councillors who were present at the meeting.

Councillor David Dovey said it was "an oversight" – but pointed to the huge success of last November's 1 Rifles Freedom of the town ceremony – organised by the town council – when Chepstow was awash with red,white and blue.

Councillor Ned Heywood said the recent election had made it difficult to organise the celebration - and it would have cost about £1,000 to put it up.

Mrs Seymour said: "This is a tourist town but it was a very poor effort by Chepstow.

"There are some very strong feelings out there."

Councillor Dovey said: "It was an oversight on the part of the town council – it should have happened but it did not.

"The businesses in High Street did look very good.

"As the Chamber of Commerce I think we should be involved in how the town is dressed."

Councillor Heywood said: "It is not cheap to dress the town. The days are gone when someone could just go up a ladder and put up some bunting.

"It will cost about £1,000 to do that now."

Town clerk Sandra Bushell said the council supported the fun day and beacon lighting at Chepstow Rugby Club and the Diamond Discs Hit Parade picnic and both events had bunting.

She added that, through Chepstow Marketing Group, businesses were offered use of the council's decorations.

Businesses will also be able to use the bunting for any Olympic Games celebrations.

The Chamber of Commerce agreed to write to the town council about the matter.