Tourist signs in Cornwall could soon be emblazoned with the St Pirans flag.

The black-and-white emblem was the clear favourite of people who took part in the county council's public consultation.

The debate was prompted after a number of the brown road signs bearing England's red rose were vandalised.

But some businesses have rejected the use of the symbol on the grounds that it has too many political and religious connotations.

Religious symbol

Head of Strategic Planning and Transport for Cornwall Councillor Robert Hichens said the symbol was completely apolitical.

He said: "St Pirans flag emerged as a popular choice from a number of different groups and we didn't choose it for any political reasons."

The plan to use the flag has not been so warmly received by the Cornish branch of the European Bureau for Lesser Used Languages.

Most of its members wanted heraldic symbols, such as the Cornish coat of arms.

"Some people thought it was inappropriate to use St Pirans flag because it is a religious symbol and other celtic countries don't use their flag for tourist purposes," said branch chairman George Ansell.

The government must now approve any moves to replace the red rose.