Unauthorised flags to be removed over safety fears

Unauthorised national flags flying from lampposts and other street furniture are set to be taken down because of safety concerns, Shropshire Council has said.

The council said it "does not prohibit" expressions of patriotism and recognises the union jack as a "recognised national emblem", but putting up flags on public highways without permission could be considered a criminal offence.

Flags have been put up across the county, the authority noted, after earlier pledging not to "police people" over the issue. It now says people who put up the flags will be pursued for the costs of their removal.

St George's flags and union jacks have been appearing across England since last summer.

Although groups responsible have described the displays as acts of pride and patriotism, others have said they are provocative at a time when national tensions around immigration are running high.

Shropshire Council said recent storms had left many flags torn, loose or insecure. Those posing immediate risks have already been removed, but a full removal programme will begin in Shrewsbury before being expanded county-wide.

The cost of removing unauthorised flags was "significant", with work after Storm Amy costing about £13,000, the authority said, adding that it would seek to recover costs from those responsible.

It said it was aware of "community tensions". including reports of abuse directed at residents, staff and councillors, and that it was working with West Mercia Police.

The authority is now set to develop a funding bid to create a "positive alternative", including a locally-designed flag initiative involving young people, a similar scheme to the one adopted in Stourbridge, last month.

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