A DECISION has been taken to remove Union flags and pictures of the British monarch from Belfast City Council property. Mr Tom Campbell of the Alliance Party who proposed it, said he wanted to create a "neutral working environment".

He said his motion was not intended to be divisive but to ensure that no community should be perceived, to be dominant. His motion, adopted by the personnel subcommittee, must be adopted by a full meeting next month.

The motion it is likely to be carried as Alliance, Sinn Fein and the SDLP have the majority of members. Mr Campbell said his motion was necessary as legal opinion had made it clear that "such displays in the workplace would note be justifiable".

If adopted, the proposal will not relate to flying the flag over Belfast City Hall. This was a separate matter as it was a symbol of the North's place within the United Kingdom, said Mr Campbell. "It is clear that the law will not tolerate displays of party political or religious significance in the workplace and the council would be letting itself open to substantial cost if it did not take this decision," he added.

Mr Alex Attwood, an SDLP West Belfast councillor, said the decision would avoid the council being exposed to legal challenges and the rate payers to legal costs.

Meanwhile, Sinn Fein members have been elected as chairmen of Cookstown and Magherafelt councils - Mr Sean Begley in Magherafelt and Mr Patsy Groogan in Cookstown.