Bill Brough, former mayor of Newton Abbot, of Higher Woodway Road, Teignmouth, writes:

I was absolutely appalled to read about Teignbridge Council's action on the subject of displaying St George's Cross on a taxi.

I am even more concerned that, according to the initial report, the complaint was raised by a rival taxi group and you have to wonder why.

The apparent excuse for the ban given by the council is that 'foreigners may feel offended' – or similar words. It would seem that it has not occurred to the officials at the council that, if you go to another country, you are highly likely to see that country's flag displayed in many ways.

Do visitors or immigrants to the United States find it offensive that the president wears the Stars and Stripes as a button hole? Would a visitor to France be offended if their cab displayed the Tricolour? Of course not, and those who opt to come to work or live in our or any other country should surely not be offended by seeing even a taxi display that country's flag.

I appeal to Teignbridge Council to come to its senses and withdraw the ridiculous threat made to the taxi driver in question.