A Sinn Féin motion to remove all British royal and military symbols from Enniskillen Town Hall has been rejected by Fermanagh District Council. However, a subcommittee has been set up to investigate the issue with the aid of the North's Equality Commission.
The motion, proposed by Mr Brian McCaffrey, had sought the removal of several items including portraits and plaques of British army regiments. It called for the creation of a neutral environment for those who used council facilities.
Sinn Féin described the town hall at present as a "cold house for nationalists".
Unionists opposed the motion as "ill-thought-out and divisive". UUP councillor Mr Tom Elliot said it was aimed at creating "hostility both in the council chamber and within local communities".
An SDLP amendment proposing the setting up of a sub-committee including Sinn Féin, UUP, SDLP and DUP councillors was passed unanimously. It will report to the council in April.
Mr McCaffrey said his party was happy with the amendment. "Ultimately we will end up at the same position as our motion would have taken us. It is just a slower and more circuitous route. Interestingly, this is the first time that unionists have admitted there was a problem in Fermanagh District Council chamber and the town hall and that there is a need to create a mutually acceptable environment."