Council removing St George's cross graffiti

A number of locations across Reading were graffitied with the St George's cross

Work is taking place to remove St George's crosses that have been painted onto speed bumps and road markings.

Red crosses were spray painted across Reading over the August bank holiday weekend.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service spotted a Reading Commercial Services team member removing red spray paint from a speed bump in Brixham Road on Tuesday.

Reading Borough Council said it appreciated some people wanted to "show their patriotism" but there was a risk the painted crosses could distract road users.

A spokesperson said: "The council is aware of several road signs and other highways assets being painted.

"We appreciate people may want to show their patriotism, but we cannot condone this action which presents a safety risk to the public.

"The council will be removing the paint and repainting these assets."

There were concerns the crosses could distract road users

The spray painting of road signs and flying of St George's cross and Union flags has taken place as part of Operation Raise the Colours.

People have been encouraged to fly flags and paint road markings in what has been described as "an outpouring of patriotism".

But opponents have said it is supported by far-right organisations such as Britain First, and has made some people from minority ethnic backgrounds feel threatened.

The painting of St George's crosses on a clothing donation bank for the Al-Majid Centre mosque on 25 August is being treated as a hate crime.

The removal of crosses painted on a utility cabinet in nearby Northumberland Avenue led to the removal of street art honouring computer science pioneer Ada Lovelace 1815-1952.

The council apologised for the erroneous removal of the art.