THE town flag is flying again atop Newton Abbot’s historic St Leonard’s Tower after almost a year’s absence.

Inspections of the old timber pole in 2021 revealed significant rot, causing concerns for the safety of passers-by below.

It had served the community for decades but was in too bad a condition to be pressed into action during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

The replacement, installed on Tuesday, is made from fibreglass, meaning less maintenance and an even longer lifespan.

It also boasts an internal lightning conductor, doing away with the problem of lanyards – ropes used to hoist to the flags – becoming entangled.

‘I don’t know exactly how long the old pole had been here but it was a fair few years I reckon,’ said Dave Coates of specialist firm Western Lightning who had the honour of raised the town’s flag.

‘This new one should see me out I would think.’

The work took two days and had been commissioned by the tower’s owner, Newton Abbot Town Council.

Clerk Phil Rowe said: ‘We have a duty of care to both the buildings we own and the public, so this was an essential job and exactly the sort of thing we plan for,’ he said.

‘It was good to use a Newton Abbot firm as not only are they local but experts in their field, regularly in action across the region’s historic sites including Exeter Cathedral.

‘They’ve done a good job and it’s great to have our town flag flying once more.’

St Leonard’s Tower, a much loved landmark and unofficial focus for many of the town’s social events, is all that remains of the 13th century St Leonard’s Chapel, much of which was demolished in 1836 for a road-widening scheme.

It is often open to the public thanks to the efforts of volunteers who work on behalf of Newton Abbot Museum.

Entry is free but access restricted owing to health and safety considerations.

This year’s opening times, until September 14, are Wednesdays 10am-1pm until September 14.

The tower will also open on Saturday June 4, Saturday September 10 and Saturday September 17.

For details visit www.museum-newtonabbot.org.uk.

RIGHT: Dave Coates raising the Newton Abbot flag.