EVERY single flag stolen from the Millbrook Gardens area of Castlederg will be replaced twofold.
That's the stance of one man, responsible for erecting flags close to the estate.
The man - who does not wish to be named - spoke to the UlsterHerald yesterday and said paramilitary flags would be taken down only if those stolen last week were handed back.
He claims that some 30 flags in total have been removed from lamp posts in the area. That included one UVF and one UDA flag.
This week, a UFF and a Red Hand Commando flag appeared on the lamp-posts.
It's the latest debacle in a long running dispute in the Derg on the flag flying issue.
The man said residents of Millbrook Gardens bought 40 flags, 20 Union Jacks and 20 Red Hand of Ulster flags. Residents, he stressed, did not pay for the flags of a paramilitary nature.
He told the 'Herald' that the paramilitary flags would be taken down but only if the stolen flags were returned. He said in that event, they would be replaced by what he described were "more suitable flags," including UDF and Fagh a Bhallach flags. The 1912 UVF flag would not be taken down, he said.
The man said he would give an assurance that all flags erected would be taken down at the end of the marching season.
But he said that if another flag is removed from the area, then it will be replaced by two more, and four more if it happens again.
"If it happens again that flags are stolen, then flags will go up on strength and there will be one of each on every lamp post. We are fed up having to put up with this every year. The flag stealing has to stop.
"This is not something that we want to do but what other choice do we have?"
Meanwhile, the debate continues among public representatives in the area over the flags issue.
Kieran McGuire, of Sinn Féin, said as far as he was concerned the UDA and UVF flags were removed by a "predominant Loyalist."
And he said the comments from the unnamed resident were 'nonsensical'.
"This shows the immaturity that has to be dealt with. These flags are marking out territory and they are not taking into account that area is now predominantly nationalist.
"Unionists are also complaining as they feel uneasy about the presence of some of these flags. Nationalists find them intimidating and very offensive.
"There has been an easing of tensions in Castlederg but there appears to be an intention to whip up tensions."
He said that there appeared to be a false premise that Sinn Féin could in some way control the activities of young people.
Councillor Derek Hussey said he would be willing to debate the issue in public with Sinn Féin's Kieran McGuire in a venue of the councillor's choice, place and time.
He said he had previosuly raised the flags issue because of the removal of the Union Jack and the Government of Northern Ireland flags.
He said he was speaking on behalf of those people who had elected him.
He said he would prefer not to see flags of a paramilitary nature flying in the area.
"During a period of cultural expression, there should be no flying of flags other than those associated with British culture.
