St George's flags will remain up, says council

A number of flags have been put up around the country in recent weeks

Kent County Council (KCC) has said it will not be removing flags from buildings and lamp posts around the area.

The Reform-led authority made the announcement after a mix of St George's and union jack flags recently began appearing as part of the social media-led Operation Raise the Colours.

The authority added that its Highways teams would only act if the items posed a safety risk to road users and the public.

However, the council also advised people to be sensible and not put themselves in danger by "scaling lamp posts and tall structures".

Peter Osborne, KCC cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "We very much recognise that people wish to express their views, but we must use common sense.

"Flags will have to be removed if they are in any way putting people's safety at risk."

Flags also hindering the work of KCC and district and borough councils, like those blocking the view of CCTV cameras, would also have to come down, he added.

In addition, KCC reminded people that the flying of any flag is subject to some standard conditions and requires the permission of the owner of the site on which it is displayed.

This includes the Highway Authority if the flag is placed on highway land.

Any incidents of trespass, inappropriate or offensive behaviour or messaging will be reported to the relevant authorities.

Groups responsible for putting up the flags nationwide, as well as painting red crosses on mini-roundabouts, have told the BBC they are motivated by pride and patriotism.

But others have said it feels provocative at a time when tensions are running high across England over immigration issues.