Councils clarify position on flags amid nationwide campaign

Unauthorised flags flown on public property in Slough will be removed amid a campaign which has seen the St George’s Cross increasingly displayed nationwide.

Union and St George’s flags have been hoisted across the country following a social media campaign named Operation Raise Your Colours.

The issue has stirred debate and Slough MP Tan Dhesi warned against flags being used to ‘sow seeds of division’ rather than promoting unity.

The roundabout at the junction of Bath Road and Huntercombe Spur is among the locations where the national emblems have been spotted.

A spokesman for Slough Borough Council said the council’s policy is to remove any objects which are erected in public places without permission.

A statement said: “Concerns have been raised recently about unauthorised flag flying of the Union Flag and St George flags, and how this may be misused to divide rather than unite our communities.

“On a practical note, as a council we remove any objects put up in public spaces without permission.

“We have a consistent approach to removing items that may cause accidents, obstruction or damage.”

The council said pride in national flags is a ‘long-respected tradition’ in Slough, including at the council’s offices.

“As a message of reassurance to residents, here in Slough we are proud of our cosmopolitan, inclusive and diverse borough,” the council added.

Roundabouts in Burnham have also been adorned with the St George’s Cross.

Councillor Thomas Broom, Buckinghamshire Council's cabinet member for transport, said: “Buckinghamshire Council is proud to fly the national flag from our council offices and we welcome residents raising the flag on their own private property. These are important symbols of national unity, can hold personal significance and reflect a sense of pride and community for many.

 "We will remove flags from lampposts on the grounds of safety, for example if they are causing visibility issues or at risk of blowing off into traffic, and where they are causing damage to infrastructure, the cost of which would fall on taxpayers. There are strict rules about keeping roads, pavements and other highways infrastructure free of unauthorised markings.

 "Painting or marking the highway does cause significant concern, it can be dangerous for those doing so and it can distract or confuse drivers. Removing the markings comes with a significant cost to the taxpayer, leads to disruption for road users while work happens and also means that our team has to divert from other work on the roads, which we know is a priority for residents.”