Council to remove flags tied to lamp-posts

South Gloucestershire Council says the flags will be removed for safety reasons

A council has pledged to remove St George and union flags tied to lamp-posts and painted on roundabouts for safety reasons.

South Gloucestershire Council said the flags could create hazards for road users, obscure CCTV, road signs and compromise public safety.

"This action is not about discouraging pride or celebration, but about ensuring that our shared spaces remain safe, welcoming, and respectful for all," a spokesperson said.

The council's leaders, Maggie Tyrell and Ian Boulton, were signatories to a recent Avon and Somerset Police letter calling for calm after recent protests and counter-protests about immigration.

The hanging of flags has become a much-discussed subject in recent weeks, after a campaign to place flags in public areas began in Birmingham earlier in the year.

Since then, dozens have appeared across the area, including motorway bridges in South Gloucestershire.

The council said it recognised that "national flags can bring vibrancy, pride and a sense of unity to our communities – especially during major events and periods of national celebration".

"We have received reports that a small number of individuals have used them in ways that feel intimidating or divisive.

"To protect public safety and support community cohesion, we will be removing unauthorised flags and graffiti from public spaces," a spokesperson added.

In nearby North Somerset, the cost to remove the flags has been around £6,000 according to North Somerset Council.

That figure was reportedly enough to fill 200 potholes according to cabinet member for highways, Hannah Young.

'Racial hatred'

Councillor Ian Boulton told the BBC: "We don't allow fly-posting. If we didn't remove things attached to railings and lamp-posts then we would be awash with birthday and welcome home banners.

"They are simply attached with cable ties, and if you imagine that landing on someone's windscreen that could be dangerous.

"I have had messages from people directly affected, with incidents of racial hatred and genuine intimidation by people installing the flags.

"The racial incitement is heartbreaking, we cannot ignore that"

"I've probably been to more flag-raising ceremonies in the different roles I've been involved with over the last few decades, and I am proud of our flag, however it belongs to all of us, and with recent incidents in a few weeks, it is unacceptable."

Councillor Ian Boulton said local residents were being 'intimidated' by the flags

Speaking to BBC Radio Bristol's John Darvall, Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner Clare Moody said: "Myself and the others have been hearing from many in our community who are feeling more unsafe.

"We have seen some very unpleasant incidents where mosques have been damaged.

"I think the fear comes from the rhetoric we have heard around the flag.

"There's a lot of people who go on those marches who want to celebrate being English, but there has been rhetoric about engendering that division," she added.

Ms Moody said she had seen a rise in hate crime in recent months.

"It's a part of a wider picture, we saw the Tommy Robinson march in London, and there is a narrative that's being pushed by some leaders around division, and instilling hate."