Injunction ban on lamppost flags confirmed
PA MediaA council has won the next stage of its legal action, gaining a permanent injunction to end the flying of flags from lampposts.
Oxfordshire County Council was granted an interim injunction against a group of four named individuals last month in an attempt to stop people raising flags near highways.
The authority said it involved safety risks, as well as trespass and obstruction issues.
A further hearing on Thursday confirmed the final injunction. The council said it would "seek robust action" against any individual or group that breached the order.
"The application aimed to stop repeated interference with the highway and the council's legal duties as highway authority," it said.
Following the hearing in June, the group agreed not to encourage others to put flags up, and not to obstruct any council worker or contractor taking them down.
Those associated with the Raise the Colours movement have hung St George's and union flags next to roads across the county over the past year.
Oxfordshire County Council previously said its officers had "encountered aggressive behaviour" while removing flags from lampposts.
The injunction means any person breaching the order could face prison, a fine or having their assets seized.
It remains in place until 9 July 2027, with the option of being extended further.
Speaking after the previous hearing, one of the named individuals, Ryan Bridge said: "I feel it's a sad day for the flag of our country and what it represents."
The injunction does not relate to people who wish to fly flags on their own private property.
Oxfordshire County Council said it "proudly" flies the union and St George's flags at County Hall and "fully supports" the right of residents to display their own flags.
The widespread flying of flags has become contentious and several local authorities have removed them from public infrastructure.
While some politicians decried the removals, others claimed the increased number being flown was a result of xenophobia or racism.
