A council has said the safety risks of wet weather prompted the pulling down of Union Flags and St George’s Crosses hung by patriotic Britons across Oxford.
Oxfordshire County Council has issued the warning following the appearance of the flags on street posts over the weekend.
Local residents spotted the flags being erected during the night between Saturday and Sunday in Central Oxford.
The hangings were placed on posts stretching from Folly Bridge along St Aldates past the police station to Speedwell Street, close to Oxford Crown Court.
Additional flags were also observed around the corner and in the area behind Oxford Westgate shopping centre.
The council responded with a statement highlighting concerns about road safety risks posed by the unauthorised installations.
A council spokesman emphasised that the authority takes pride in flying both the Union Jack and St George’s flags, and supports residents who wish to display flags on their own property.
“However, placing flags or painting them on or near highways can create serious safety hazards,” the spokesman said.
Oxfordshire council has blamed wet weather for its decision to remove flags hung by patriotic Britons
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“These include reduced visibility for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, and increased risk of distraction.
“In addition, installing flags on street furniture or near roads can lead to personal injury or property damage. For these reasons, we strongly advise people against doing so.
“The council confirmed that teams have been taking down flags and other unauthorised items attached to streetlights as part of routine maintenance work, or when they present an immediate danger.
“With the current darker, windier and wetter weather, these risks are increasing. We are therefore stepping up the removal of flags and other unauthorised items.”
Flags were hung outside Oxford Crown Court
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“Each case will be assessed based on the level of risk, with priority given to those that pose an immediate risk.
“Our overarching priority is to keep our roads and public spaces safe for everyone.”
Oxfordshire Council’s decision was not the only authority clamping down on flag-raising.
Earlier this month, Derby City Council confirmed it has so far removed around 950 “unauthorised” flags earlier this month.
A spokesman for the local authority said: “As part of our statutory responsibility to keep public spaces safe and well-maintained, we are continuing to remove unauthorised flags from lampposts.
“To date, approximately 950 flags have been removed.
“The decision to remove flags was clearly communicated before the process began, therefore the council does not intend to carry out an inquiry into this matter.
“Our priority remains the safety and upkeep of our public spaces.”
Councillor Sarah Chambers said in a statement at the time that it “fully” supported people who wished to fly flags on their own properties.
However, she said it was “time for this campaign of flag flying to an end” to make way for “seasonal events”.
Speaking to GB News following the council’s announcement of its plans to remove the flags, one resident said: “It’s unpatriotic.
“It is the St George’s flag. It is for the country, it is what our forefathers fought and died for. It’s not offensive.