Council removes 'offensive' graffiti from roads

Leicestershire County Council said "fly flags but don't paint the road"

"Offensive graffiti" daubed on roundabouts and roads in Leicestershire has been removed.

The Reform UK-led county council has urged people not to paint on roads following the removal of the vandalism in Bitteswell, Ratby and Loughborough on Friday.

Leader of the council, Dan Harrison, said: "We can't condone vandalism, nor stand by when extremely offensive comments are being spray-painted on to public property."

The council is continuing to support residents who want to fly St George and union jack flags, but is reminding them to "stay safe" when putting them up.

The authority had to remove three separate sets of graffiti from roads and mini-roundabouts on Friday

The flag movement gathered pace on social media, with the name Operation Raise the Colours, with those behind it saying they were motivated by pride and patriotism.

Others have expressed discomfort due to tensions running high across England over immigration and the St George cross often being used to promote far-right groups.

Leader of the council, Dan Harrison, said painting on roads was "dangerous and against the law"

After removing the graffiti, the council said: "While it's actually an offence to attach anything to a street light without permission, highways teams will only step in if flags attached to lamp-posts, or other street furniture, pose a serious safety risk.

"People are being asked not to paint or graffiti mini-roundabouts and crossings, which is illegal.

"Since Friday, highways teams have had to remove at least three separate sets of offensive graffiti, adding to taxpayers' bills."

'Obey the law'

The council leader said the flags were a "welcome sight" but "must be done safely".

"I know people want to show national pride but painting roads is different - it's dangerous and against the law," added Harrison.

"Our communities quite rightly expect us to take action, and we will do.

"I'm proud of our communities, our heritage and our country and I'm keen to explore how we can celebrate this across Leicestershire."

The county's police and crime commissioner, Rupert Matthews, added: "Our national flags are symbols of unity and pride that we can all rally behind.

"However, I would urge everyone to obey the law relating to flags when raising the colours."