MANY of Worcester's prominent buildings were not flying St George's Crosses to mark England's patron saint day despite Government encouragement.

The red-and-white flag was yesterday hoisted above 10 Downing Street in London for the first time in recent years to mark St George's Day.

The move follows a review of flag-flying practices by Prime Minster Gordon Brown after he took office.

At the Crown Court in Foregate Street, no flag was hoisted because unspecified roof problems made access to the flagpole difficult, according to a spokesman.

The cross of St George was also absent from the fire station in Copenhagen Street.

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman Sam Jones said that because the service was UK-wide, only the Union Flag could be flown from the station's flagstaff marking the Queen's birthday.

The magistrates court building and police station in Castle Street do not have flagpoles but the red cross was absent from West Mercia Constabulary's police headquarters at Hindlip, where only the force flag fluttered.

Police spokeswoman Rachel Anstee said: "This is a subject of national debate and we are waiting for some national guidance, so will review when we get that ."

England's national flag was not hoisted on any of the three poles outside Worcestershire College of Technology's main building, in Deansway.

Marketing director Rachel Gowers said it was "not a conscious decision" not to fly the flag but the college's bosses could consider the idea for next year.

Elsewhere in the city, St George's flag was displayed at Worcestershire County Council's County Hall, Worcester Cathedral and The Guildhall.