Storm-damaged flags removed by council

England flags were hung from lamp posts around Shrewsbury in the summer

A number of St George's and union jack flags put up along streets in Shrewsbury have been removed from lamp posts by Shropshire Council.

The authority said "many of the flags recently displayed across the county have become torn, unsightly, or potentially hazardous" following Storm Amy.

It added: "Some are at risk of obscuring street signs, street lights, or traffic signals, while others could fall onto the highway if not properly secured."

As a result, it said to ensure "public safety and maintain the appearance of our streets", it had started to remove "deteriorated or unsecured flags".

So far, five flags had been removed from Sundorne Road and one from Mount Pleasant Road, it said - a mix of both types of flag.

St George's flags and union jacks were hung from lamp posts all over the country in the summer, with the people responsible saying they were an expression of national pride.

But some felt the flags were divisive and intended to intimidate at at time when immigration was a subject of national debate.