'Unauthorised flags' to be removed from Shrewsbury lamp posts amid increasing tensions
A council statement details the “increasing community tensions” over the issue which has become a social media battleground in recent weeks.
“All unauthorised flags” on lamp posts are to be removed by Shropshire Council, starting in Shrewsbury, the authority has confirmed.
Union and St George’s Cross flags have been placed on lamp posts in Shropshire, notably in Shrewsbury, since last summer.
The appearance of the flags came amid a national movement where flags were attached to lamp posts and other public structures across the country.
The issue was described as a show of patriotism by those behind the efforts, while critics said the movement was driven by anti-immigration motivations.
The flags in Shrewsbury have largely been put up by the ‘Raise the Flags Shrewsbury Plus’, group, which has an ongoing online fundraiser to pay for the operation.
The issue has become increasingly fractious in recent weeks, with a ‘Lower the Flags Shrewsbury’ group pulling down flags from a number of locations in the town.
Now Shropshire Council has intervened and says it will be removing flags itself, while it has also recognised “increasing community tensions” relating to the situation.
In its statement it said: “Shropshire Council is aware of a number of national flags that continue to be put up across the county on street lighting columns and street furniture.
“We wanted to take this opportunity to be clear about our position and the actions we are taking individually and with our partners.
“Across our communities there are a range of views about the flags, our aim is to balance these views while keeping our residents and public spaces safe, respectful and compliant with policy.
“We do not prohibit or otherwise object to the expression of patriotism, including the display of national flags. The Union Flag is a recognised national emblem and, when displayed in an appropriate and dignified manner, is widely respected. It is acknowledged as representing the shared history, values, and constitutional identity of the United Kingdom.
“However, we do not support the unauthorised attachment of flags or any other objects to street lighting columns, highway infrastructure or other public street furniture. This can cause damage, maintenance issues, create a nuisance, hazard or breach the code of recommended practice on local authority publicity and as such is not permitted. Political messaging is also not permitted.”
The authority insists permission is required “before attaching anything to council property”, adding that attaching objects to council property “can be deemed as a criminal offence”.
It has also highlighted the financial impact of taking flags down, adding that it will look to recover the costs from those putting them up.
It said: “The removal of any unauthorised fixing including flags can come at a significant cost to the council budget, for example after Storm Amy the cost of their removal was around £13,000.
“At a time of financial pressure this impacts on services to residents, and we will seek to recover the costs of the removal of unauthorised fixings or flags from those putting them up.”
Detailing its plans going forward, the council said: “We will be removing all unauthorised flags from our street lighting columns and other highway assets. This will be in Shrewsbury initially with plans to remove all unauthorised flags across the county in time.
“This includes flags that are: damaged or unsafe; creating a hazard; obstructing signs; posing risks following severe weather; installed without permission, regardless of condition.”
It added: “Following the recent storms, many flags became torn, loose, or insecure. Our highways teams have removed these where necessary, and we will continue with a full removal programme for all unauthorised flags.”
The authority has highlighted that some flags are attached to items it does not own - such as National Highways lamp posts on the A5.
It said: “Where flags appear on assets we do not own or manage, we cannot take direct action, but we are working with partners to look at their removal.”
The council has also addressed the increasing tensions over the matter, saying: “We are also aware of increasing community tensions, including a rise in reports of abuse directed at our residents, staff, and local councillors.
“We are working closely with West Mercia Police and local partners to address situations where flags pose safety risks or contribute to harassment, intimidation or damage.”
It added: “Freedom of expression is protected in law, action will only be taken where criminal offences are being committed. We strongly encourage reporting directly to the police where this is the case.”
The authority also says it will now look at a project to develop a flag scheme that celebrates the county in a “safe and inclusive way”.
It said: “Recognising the importance of flags to our county, we are also working with partners in the police, Shrewsbury Town Council, Shrewsbury BID and communities to develop a funding bid to support a positive alternative, including exploring a locally designed flag initiative created with young people, celebrating pride in Shropshire in a safe and inclusive way.”
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