Recently, a number of flags have been attached to council-owned assets such as lamp-posts and bridges, which is against the law unless prior permission is sought and obtained – which it hasn’t been.
When on the public highway, the safety of all road users, pedestrians and cyclists is the Council’s priority.
Such items, if not affixed correctly, can pose health and safety risks such as obscuring the view of the road or be a distraction to drivers, as well as the risks to people who climb on such assets to affix items which can also cause damage to the asset too.
The Council understands that residents’ may wish to show their patriotism through public displays, but public safety is our priority, consequently, the Council will remove any such flags or displays where they:-
- Pose a health and safety risk (such that lights may be obscured, a street column could be damaged);
- Are found as part of routine maintenance and prior approval has not been sought; or
- Have, in the Council’s opinion, political or racist undertones or are located to cause community tension.
Residents can of course fly flags on their own property – we just ask that they ensure that in doing so, they do not cause any safety concerns or infringe on other people’s property. If your property is a listed building, you should, in the first instance, check with the Planning team.
In addition, the Council is aware that threats have been made to personnel (acting on behalf of the Council) involved in the removal of flags installed without the Council’s permission. This is completely unacceptable. Any such incidents of staff being threatened will be reported to the appropriate authority and the Council will seek that the strongest penalties are imposed on those responsible.
It’s important that we all work together to ensure the safety of everyone who lives, works or visits the borough.
Residents wishing to report flags being erected can report this via the council’s website by clicking here. (When asked for the service type, please select Flags on lampposts.)