Flags to remain unless safety risk - council

Kirklees Council said it would remove flags which posed a safety risk

St George's flags being put up in towns and villages across Kirklees will not be removed unless they pose a safety risk, the council has confirmed.

In recent weeks, thousands of St George's and union jack flags have been hoisted in towns, cities and villages across the country, with others painted on buildings and roads.

Some local authorities, including City of York Council, have said flags would be removed from street furniture and roundabouts if they compromised safety.

A Kirklees Council spokesperson said it would take a similar approach, assessing reports on a case-by-case basis and removing flags if there was a risk to pedestrians, motorists or public safety.

City of York Council initially said it would not take down St George's and union jack flags when they first started to be put up in August.

However, the council has since decided to pull them down amid safety concerns, with the authority saying one had obscured a city centre CCTV camera.

The cost of the operation to take down the flags in York was expected to come with a £250,000 price tag.

Safety considerations

Kirklees Council said it was currently monitoring the situation and any action taken would be based on safety, legality and consistency, according to the Local Democracy Service.

A spokesperson said: "The council proudly flies the union flag on our town halls throughout the year.

"We also support residents' right to display flags on their property or businesses.

"Flags that have been attached to, or painted on to, public infrastructure such as lampposts, roundabouts, and street furniture may pose safety risks to pedestrians, motorists, and those installing them."

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