City flags to be removed by council

People have been given seven days to retrieve their flags

Derby City Council has announced it will start taking down flags in public spaces next week.

The Labour-run authority says from Monday, it will begin removing flags put up on bridges, walls and lamp-posts in a bid to prepare the area for seasonal and commemorative events.

In a statement, councillor Sarah Chambers said it was time to bring the "campaign of flag flying to an end" but she "fully" supported those who chose to fly flags on their own property.

The council said it would give those who put flags up a week to retrieve them but individuals choosing to remove items did so at their own risk.

The flag movement gathered pace on social media, with the name Operation Raise the Colours.

Those behind it said 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.

The city council said it encouraged any residents interested in installing an official flagpole in their area to approach their local ward councillors

Chambers said: "We've applied flexibility in our discretion in recent weeks, but going forward anyone wishing to display posters, banners, flags or similar on public land or street furniture must obtain the standard permissions.

"As part of our statutory responsibility to keep public spaces safe and well-maintained, we will be required to remove items that have not obtained the standard permissions."

The council said it shared the pride residents felt in being British and added it "proudly" flew the union flag outside the Council House.

The authority added it encouraged any residents interested in installing an official flagpole in their area to approach their local ward councillors to discuss the process.

Items left up after 29 September will be stored by the council, Chambers added.