Man who put flag on 40ft statue speaks of 'pride'

The 40ft Brownhills Miner statue has been draped in a union jack

A man responsible for draping a huge union jack on a 40ft statue of a miner said he was proud of his efforts and insisted it was not causing division in his community.

Martin Woodhouse has also flooded a roundabout in Brownhills, West Midlands, with St George's flags, following a growing movement across the country.

The appearance of St George's flags on public property has caused concern in many areas due to it being used as an emblem by far-right groups.

But Mr Woodhouse said his actions, which included using a cherry-picker to scale the statue, had "brought the town together" despite efforts by some to remove them.

Martin Woodhouse said he had decorated the landmark out of "love and pride"

"People are coming from outside town to come and visit it, that's bringing trade to the local businesses. People are happy," he insisted.

He said Brownhills, in Walsall, had felt "dull and dreary" so he had decided to do something about it.

"No-one talked, everyone was depressed. Everyone was just going in and out doing their daily routine," said Mr Woodhouse, a commercial driller.

"I just looked at the place and thought we have got a rich history and we should celebrate that."

The roundabout in Brownhills has also been decorated with dozens of flags

The statue is known as The Jigger, named after local miner Jack "Jigger" Taylor, who died in 1951 when a roof collapsed.

The flying of the St George flag on public property such as lampposts started in parts of Birmingham in August.

It has proven to be a divisive issue with the public, with some feeling they are a symbol of national pride that brings people together, while others feel the purpose of raising them has been to intimidate.

Parish councillors in Wythall, on the Worcestershire border, have said the flags in the village will be taken down after Armistice Day as they were put up without permission.

Residents who "wish to express their pride by flying the national flag" have been told they can hoist them on private land instead.

And in Cotteridge and Stirchley in Birmingham, flags were taken down at the weekend by some residents amid concerns they were motivated by racism and anti-immigration protests.

Mr Woodhouse argues his display has made people happy

A spokesperson for Walsall Council said it recognised "that national flags bring a sense of pride and unity".

They added: "Our position remains the same. Flags would only be removed should they cause an obstruction, pose a risk or begin to deteriorate."

In Derbyshire, police are investigating after city councillor Sarah Chambers said she had received a rape threat after announcing plans to remove St George's and union jack flags from public spaces.

Ms Chambers, Derby City Council cabinet member for communities, equalities and public safety, said although the council "understands and shares the pride our residents feel in being British, it is time to bring this campaign of flag-flying to an end, as we need to begin to clear our lampposts for future seasonal and commemorative events".

Walsall Council said flags would be removed if they caused an obstruction, risk or deteriorated