Fury as council spends £15,000 removing St George’s flags from lamp posts | UK | News
A council has been criticized after spending £15,000 to remove St George’s Cross flags from lampposts. The Liberal Democrat council has been accused of being “out of touch” after dismantling and painting more than 333 flags in the area.
Oxfordshire County Council said the flags, which cost an average of £45 to remove, posed a “serious safety hazard” and reduced visibility for motorists. Despite the criticism, they doubled down on their actions, adding that they would “expedite” flag removals. The move was criticized as “ridiculous” by local Conservative councilor Liam Walker.
he said Telegram: “Only a Liberal Democrat council would think it was acceptable to spend more than £15,000 to remove flags from lampposts while residents have to dodge potholes on roads that are crumbling by the day.
“It’s ridiculous that our street lighting crews are sent out to lower flags in the dark, but when residents try to fix dangerous potholes they often have to wait weeks or months for basic repairs to be carried out.
“Given the real issues facing people across Oxfordshire, ranging from road safety to basic infrastructure, this should not be a priority for the Liberal Democrat administration. It shows how unaware residents are of the things they really care about.”
St George’s Cross and Union Jack flags are seen up and down the UK following the launch of Operation Raise the Colours. Those responsible for the movement claim they are motivated by patriotism, while others argue the flags are provocative at a time when tensions over immigration are high.
While the flags remained in some areas, other councils chose to take them down, sparking anger among local communities. In Oxfordshire, the council claims it is removing flags to “keep everyone safe”.
An Oxfordshire County Council spokesman said: “As a council we proudly fly both the Union and St George’s flags. We also welcome residents displaying flags on their own properties.
“However, placing or painting flags on or near highways can create serious safety hazards, including reduced visibility for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians and an increased risk of distraction.
“Additionally, hanging flags on street furniture or near roads can lead to personal injury or property damage. For these reasons, we strongly advise people not to do so.”
They added: “These risks are increasing with the current weather becoming darker, windier and wetter. That’s why we’re accelerating the removal of flags and other unauthorized items.”
