The Newent town flagpole, by the library, is rotten and needs replacing.

There is wet rot in the base of the pole and the problem was outlined to Newent Town Council at Monday evening's meeting in the Market Hall.

Coun Len Lawton said: "It's in a very bad state. It is not a good idea to put it up. It is so bad, it's dangerous."

Councillors agreed to replace the wooden pole with a 9m high fibreglass one, at a cost of around £420. But there was debate as to whether the new flagpole ought to be moved to the Market Square.