The Liberal Democrats have reacted after their plans to introduce 'Rainbow Crossings' in Hitchin were dealt a blow.

Nub News has covered the story since it was revealed our town could have been set for the crossings that feature the 'rainbow' or 'progress pride' flags – designed to show support for the LGBTQ+ community.

In a motion to the full county council back in July, Liberal Democrat councillor Sara Bedford called for one or more crossings in each of the 10 districts including Hitchin's region, North Herts, to be re-painted.

However, on Tuesday (September 14), members of the council's highways and transport cabinet panel were told that the cost of each crossing would be between £5,000 and £15,000, depending on the location and the chosen materials.

The majority of councillors failed to back the idea because they did 'not support the use of highways funding for that purpose'.

Lib Dems leader in Hitchin, Sam Collins told Nub News: [I]"I think these crossings would go a long way to showing that Hertfordshire is a welcoming place for all people.

"I think one of these would be nice to have in Hitchin, if they go ahead I'd really like one in Hitchin town centre."

'Rainbow' or 'progress pride' crossings have already been installed by a number of councils across the country, in recognition of LGBTQ+ communities - and could feature in Hitchin soon.

The distinctive 'rainbow crossings' feature lines in the six colours of the rainbow flag – a symbol of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender pride.

Meanwhile 'progress pride crossings' also include chevron stripes in the colours of black, brown, pink, pale blue and white – representing people of colour in the LGBTQ+ community, as well as the trans community, and those living with HIV/AIDS.