Councils warn against public flag displays

Torbay Council has warned that taxpayers will bear the cost of removing red crosses

Local authorities are taking action after South West towns including Exminster, Plymouth, and Exeter have seen an increase in St George's flags and markings.

Plymouth City Council has begun removing flags it has deemed unsafe or unlawful, while Torbay Council and Cornwall Council warned that taxpayers will bear the cost of removing red crosses daubed on roads and street furniture.

Devon County Council leader Julian Brazil urged residents to seek permission before placing flags on public property.

"People are perfectly entitled to display flags on their own property," he said. "But if it causes issues for the public or distracts drivers, they'll have to be removed."

Chaz Singh is a well-known supporter of St George's Day in Plymouth

Alex Bear, a former British forces serviceman from South Hams, said he flies the flag at home as a matter of principle.

"Wherever we went in the world, we would always fly the Union flag and our regimental flag," he said.

"I feel I don't need to ask permission from anybody to fly my country's flag."

Alex Bear said he flies the Union Jack at home as a matter of principle

Faith Stafford from Ubuntu Counselling Service in Exeter said some asylum seekers and refugees are experiencing "renewed trauma" because of the increase in the Union and St George flags.

"One of my counsellors, who is usually assertive and well-adjusted, told me she's avoiding going out in public," she said.

"For our clients, the symptoms of trauma, nightmares, blackouts, voices, self-harm, are being re-triggered."

Faith Stafford said some asylum seekers and refugees are experiencing "renewed trauma"

Councillor Adam Billings, responsible for highways in Torbay, said: "I support flying the Union Flag and the St George's Cross in appropriate locations.

"But defacing our road network poses safety risks and increases costs."

Chaz Singh, a well-known supporter of St George's Day in Plymouth, said the flags should not be associated with extremism.

"We can all be proud of who we are," he said. "Why can't we be proud of the country we live in and the ideals we choose to live by?"

In a statement Cornwall Council said: "Anyone who cares enough about the flag to put up a flagpole in their garden is very welcome to do so, just as we proudly do at Lys Kernow and many town halls across Cornwall.

"But if anyone disrespects the flag by attaching it to a lamppost or painting it on the floor, they should expect to see it removed swiftly by the council.

"Such action will cost our taxpayers money, which could be better spent on fixing potholes or improving the roads."