Over the weekend Union and Ulster flags were put up on flag poles and lamp posts down Market Street and High Street for the run-up to the Twelfth.

A number of people contacted the ‘MAIL’ to say they were angered over the flags throughout the town.

One Lurgan man said: “It is a disgrace these flags have been put up over the weekend and most people have found it intimidating and it has provoked a lot of anger in the community.

“Last year there was a lot of emotion over the flags going up and I cannot believe it has been allowed to happen again.

“The people responsible have no consideration for the nationalist community, they have absolutely no respect.

“I believe the police need to act in this situation.”

A leading loyalist thought the complaints were not consistent, he said: “Are these people complaining about the flags on North Street and Edward Street?

“We are talking about flags and who is offended about flags?

“I am not offended about the nationalist flags around the town, I just look the other way, there is nobody to talk to but we are willing to engage with the communities involved who may feel hurt.

“Unfortunately this is all just part of the games they play.”

A spokesman for the police said it is firmly committed through its work with its partner agencies and local communities to address the issues surrounding the flying of flags in public areas.

He said: “The display of flags to mark out geographical areas of control or to promote sectarianism or intimidation is wholly unacceptable in a peaceful and tolerant society, and the police service is clear in its responsibility to work with communities to find acceptable solutions and enforce the law.

“Police work proactively with other agencies to have flags removed through a process of consultation and negotiation. The police also independently and unilaterally act to remove flags when it has been determined that the display of a flag is such to justify enforcement without consultation and negotiation.

“We also engage in regular meetings with representatives from political parties to discuss and listen to their views on this issue.

“It is incumbent on everyone to keep working to ensure that people can live without fear or intimidation, which is a basic fundamental human right.”