Flags in Gloucestershire to be removed ‘where necessary’

In a statement, Lisa Spivey, leader of Gloucestershire County Council, acknowledged that many householders will have noticed a growing amount of Union and St George’s flags on display around the county.

She said while she has ‘welcomed the pride people are taking in their national identity’, an increasing amount of reports about ‘flags being placed in unauthorised locations’ has been received by the council and these ‘can be a risk to public safety’.

The council will therefore undertake assessments ‘on a case-by-case basis’ and take down flags where needed.

Councillor Spivey, a Liberal Democrat, added that flag-removal will be guided by safety concerns and not be motivated by politics.

“While many people are displaying flags respectfully, the reality is that flags erected without permission, particularly on highways and public land, can be a risk to public safety,” she said.

“Torn and loosened flags becoming entangled on streetlights and covering road signage are not just an inconvenience, but create hazards to road-users and pedestrians.

“That is why GCC will be carrying out assessments on a case-by-case basis and flags will be removed where necessary to protect public safety.

“I want to reassure householders that any removal of flags will be guided by safety considerations and not politically motivated.”

Cllr Spivey added that people in Gloucestershire can display pride in their identity ‘while also making sure shared spaces are safe, welcoming and respectful to everyone’.

She also suggested individuals could ‘defend and strengthen’ their community via ‘positive action’, with ‘countless opportunities to make a positive impact, from supporting your local volunteer group to assisting some of the most vulnerable people in our county’.

The leader’s full statement, published ahead of planned demonstrations in Gloucester and Cheltenham on the weekend of Saturday, October 4, read: “Over recent weeks, many residents will have noticed an increasing number of Union and St George’s flags being displayed around Gloucestershire.

“As council leader, I’ve welcomed the pride people are taking in their national identity.

“With the Lionesses’ success at the Euros and the Red Roses’ excellent showing at this summer’s Women’s Rugby World Cup, there could be no better time to show support for England and to celebrate our nation’s achievements on the world stage.

“It is also encouraging to see that many residents want to feel a stronger sense of belonging to their community and to contribute positively to local life.

“At the same time, the council has received a growing number of reports of flags being placed in unauthorised locations, often on lampposts and in some cases on school grounds and private businesses, without consent.

“We’ve also had worrying feedback from residents who feel intimidated not just by the volume of flags, but also by inflammatory comments on social media.

“While many people are displaying flags respectfully, the reality is that flags erected without permission, particularly on highways and public land, can be a risk to public safety.

“Torn and loosened flags becoming entangled on streetlights and covering road signage are not just an inconvenience, but create hazards to road-users and pedestrians.

“That is why Gloucestershire County Council will be carrying out assessments on a case-by-case basis and flags will be removed where necessary to protect public safety.

“I want to reassure residents that any removal of flags will be guided by safety considerations and not politically motivated.

“We are mindful of the wider political climate and how national debates are playing out in our county, especially in light of recent protests in the area and the planned marches in Gloucester and Cheltenham this weekend.

“Our local services and housing are under pressure, and many families are feeling the strain.

“That is why since becoming leader of Gloucestershire County Council, I have made one of my key priorities to work on tackling these tricky issues with our partners.

“I have also encouraged all Gloucestershire residents to reach out and get involved in their communities.

“There are countless opportunities to make a positive impact, from supporting your local volunteer group to assisting some of the most vulnerable people in our county.

“If you truly want to defend and strengthen your community, there is no better way than through positive action.

“We can all show pride in who we are as the great people of Gloucestershire while also making sure our shared spaces are safe, welcoming and respectful to everyone.”