Dover Mayor Pam Brivio says malicious comments in the row over whether a flag should be flown behind the town war memorial have left her daughter in tears.

Cllr Brivio has come under fire for saying a flagpole behind the memorial, outside the town council offices, would spoil the attractive view.

She says personal attacks from residents on Facebook have suggested she is not in favour because of husband David’s Italian background.

She and her family were particularly upset by one comment, which said: “Mayor does not want flag flown because her husband’s family fought on the other side.”

It appears that the comment has now been removed.

Cllr Brivio is seeking advice about further action and is also contacting Facebook over the personal attacks.

She told the Mercury: “Malicious comments have been made maligning the family’s service history.

“Personal attacks have been unnecessary and unhelpful and now attacks have been made on my family.”

She added her daughter Lisa had been so upset by the remarks that she had “been on the phone in tears”.

Cllr Brivio told a town council meeting last Wednesday the proposed position would make the flag look like it is emerging from the statue’s head.

She said: “I do not oppose the flying of flags.

“What I do oppose is the siting of a flagpole in the memorial garden directly behind the beautiful war memorial which must be one of the most attractive in the country."

A statement from town clerk, Allison Burton, said: "The mayor and this council do not oppose to the flying of a Union Flag at our war memorial.

"Cllr Brivio's views are her personal ones, and not the decision or view of the council."

On Wednesday night, the town council agreed to submit a pre-planning application for the siting of one flag pole in the memorial garden.

To see the full report, pick up the Mercury, out now.