A spokesman for Sefton Council said: “We were asked to support International Women’s Day by flying a flag above Bootle & Southport Town Halls which we did so with effect from Monday, March 2.

“However we have since been made aware of a potential issue regarding the messaging on the flag and have taken them down.

“Sefton Council is a local authority with a proud history of supporting LGBTQ+ rights across the borough, having previously been awarded the NAVAJO LGBTQ Quality Mark for our work and we continue to support all members of our communities.”