Overview

• The town council removed a Pride flag from outside Cornerstone Christian Bookshop after the shop objected on religious grounds.
• The council relocated the flag to another central flagpole, apologised for the removal and stressed its support for LGBTQ+ residents.
• Mayor Marilyn Franks said shop owners have flooded the council with requests for Pride flags, prompting an order for additional rainbow standards.
• A new committee is preparing Matlock’s inaugural annual Pride parade with full backing from the town council.
• Local artists and residents have organised public rainbow artworks and fundraisers for the Albert Kennedy Trust, marking a groundswell of support for LGBTQ+ people.