Workers removing flags face 'unacceptable' abuse

One worker in Trafford was threatened on social media

Contractors brought in to remove flags from public structures like lampposts are facing increasing levels of abuse, local authorities have said.

Knowsley is among several councils who have reported "completely unacceptable" threats against workers, saying the "strongest penalties" will be imposed on those responsible.

Trafford Council recently paused the removal of union jack and St George's flags after a staff member was threatened on social media.

The worker had been abused in the street while taking the flags down but then their personal details were posted online leading to further threats.

"The council will not tolerate threats against council staff or our contractors," a Trafford Council spokesperson said.

The authority said the incident had been reported to the police.

In September, a video was shared widely on social media and appeared to show a Salford City Council contractor being pulled down from his ladder.

Salford City Council said it "was not removing flags", after one of its sub-contractors was confronted

Salford Council said: "The person shown in the video is a sub-contractor to the council and contrary to social media posts, was working on camera equipment.

"We are not removing flags and absolutely do not condone any violent behaviour or verbal abuse."

Alan Gibbons, a councillor for Orrell Park in north Liverpool, said he felt "intimidated" when he was followed by three men and filmed after he confronted a group who were putting up England flags in the city.

Gibbons, who is also the leader of the Your Party political group on the council, said the flags had "racial", "political" and "religious" slogans on them.

"I asked them if they were from around here. They said no, and I asked them if they had permission to put them up," he said.

But the three men filmed him and started taking photographs.

"I don't accept anyone can follow me home and take pictures," Gibbons said.

'Represent our country'

When the BBC spoke to people in the Walton area of Liverpool, most agreed the flags should stay up, but the abuse against workers removing them was wrong.

One man, who did not want to be named, said "the flags represent our country" but he was against threatening behaviour.

A taxi driver in the Orrell Park area, called George, said he could not understand why anyone would abuse someone who was just "doing their job".

"They haven't got permission to put them up in the first place, so it's wrong," he added.

It is illegal to put flags or bunting up on public property without prior permission.

But many councils across our region are taking a relaxed approach, only removing them if they are causing a safety risk, or are offensive.

A spokesperson for Sefton council said the Union flag and Cross of St George represented national pride, and they supported people flying them "safely and appropriately".

Lancashire County Council said it would only act if flags endangered road users.

But others, such as Trafford Council said unauthorised flags would be taken down.

Councillor Anthony Burns has called for more to be done to protect council workers and contractors

The only catch is removing flags can be costly.

Trafford Council has spent nearly £25,000 removing flags and painting over graffiti on mini-roundabouts.

Blackburn Council said it spent £367 on repainting mini roundabouts and £60 to remove just one flag.

Some councils are considering increasing security for staff members.

Warrington Council leader Hans Mundy said it was introducing "enhanced security measures" for staff removing flags, at a "significant additional cost".

Leader of St Helens Council, Anthony Burns, also called for more to be done to protect council workers and contractors.

He told BBC Radio Merseyside that it was "a real worry".

"It's just crazy - we need to challenge it with our young people so we weed it out, and challenge it where ever we see it, because it's just not fair."