More than 1,000 angry residents have forced Hounslow Council into a rethink as to whether they should fly the flag of St George this April.

Our story last week, which revealed a plot by the ruling Labour group to snub England's patron saint by not allowing his flag to fly on on April 23, provoked uproar from readers.

Residents took the matter into their own hands offering council leader Councillor Colin Ellar the use of their own flags, and signing three 1,000-signature petitions demanding a rethink.

Coun Ellar said he would put the issue to the public vote: "To the best of my knowledge, in the past there has never been a similar custom of flying the flag of St George at the Civic Centre and it is an issue that has never been raised by members of the public or the press.

"Now it has been raised I think it is fair the council consults residents to see if they would like to see the national flag flown on St George's Day. The telephone calls and letters I have personally received lead me to think that many people support this option.

"Any readers wishing to express an opinion on whether or not the flag should be flown can participate via the Hounslow website on www.hounslow.gov.uk."

Councillors had previously voted against holding celebrations to mark the day, claiming it was too socially divisive to do so and that it might inflame racial tension.

The Rev Paul Williamson, of the Parish of Saint George in Hanworth Park, said "shame and disgrace" had fallen upon them for voting for "utter nonsense", and called for residents to unite.

He said: "I call upon all residents to buy a St George flag as large as possible and to fly it from their homes during the weekend of April 23. Write to the chief executive of Hounslow Council and say what you feel. Lobby your ward councillor and fly the flag of St George.

"Cover this borough with the flag, and let those councillors know what you want and will have our national flag will be flown!"

l Although Hounslow councillors may be against flying the English flag, Ealing Council has no problem about the North Korean Embassy flying its flag on its national days.

Neighbours of the official North Korean Embassy were surprised to see the flag flying for the first time on February 16 to celebrate the birthday of the country's leader, President Kim Jong-il.

Ealing Council confirmed the embassy did not need planning permission to fly itsr flag as it would only do so on two days of the year.

The Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK) established its UK embassy in Gunnersbury Avenue, Acton, 18 months ago.