City council condemnned in online comments – but the footage was taken in another area over the county border
Roundabouts have been painted across Birmingham and nearby areas – this is one at the junction of Haunch Lane and Warstock Lane (Image: Joseph Walshe/SWNS)
A Reform-run Midland council is to remove the cross of St George painted on roundabouts – as the truth emerged about a video which wrongly sparked condemnation of Birmingham City Council.
Roundabouts painted with a red St George’s Cross have been reported across Birmingham, as well as in areas such as Bromsgrove and Redditch.
It follows the appearance of the Union and England flags in Birmingham neighbourhoods such as Weoley Castle and Northfield, with thousands of pounds raised to support the campaigns.
READ MORE: Birmingham Council issues warning over painting roundabouts amid police enquiries
Birmingham City Council had faced criticism online after issuing a safety warning over the flags – but some posts have directed anger towards the local authority in a misleading manner.
One video, shared by a right-wing ‘activist and political’ organisation on Facebook, appeared to show a vehicle cleaning the St George’s Cross colours from a roundabout and featured a caption heavily criticising the Labour-run council in Birmingham.
As of Wednesday afternoon, it had been viewed millions of times and attracted thousands of comments having been posted the day before.
But the video actually showed a roundabout in Bromsgrove – an area covered by Reform-run Worcestershire County Council.
The county council confirmed today that any “unofficial actions” on its roads and roundabouts could be distracting and would be removed.
A painted roundabout on the junction of Priory Road, Trittiford Road and Highfield Road in Birmingham(Image: Joseph Walshe/SWNS)
West Mercia Police warned painting roundabouts was “dangerous to drivers and pedestrians” and could amount to criminal damage.
A spokesperson from Worcestershire County Council said: “All road markings on the county’s highway network are strictly regulated for safety, including those on roundabouts of any size.
“Changes to agreed road markings must not be made unless approved by the Highway Authority, in line with these regulations.
“Unofficial actions on the highway network could be distracting or cause confusion to some road users so will therefore be removed.”
Richard Field, West Mercia Police Safer Neighbourhood Inspector, said: “Painting roundabouts is not only dangerous to drivers and pedestrians but it also amounts to criminal damage.
READ MORE: Birmingham flag fundraising drives raise thousands amid ‘don’t call this racist’ plea
“We are working closely with partners, including Worcestershire County Council, to tackle this issue and will investigate where appropriate.”
Birmingham City Council echoed a similar message about the roundabouts this week, saying: “Painting the flag of St George on road islands, while expressing national pride, is unlawful and potentially dangerous for the person painting the flag and for motorists.”
Asked about roundabouts being painted on, West Midlands Police added yesterday: “We’re aware of criminal damage having occurred and we’re carrying out further enquiries.”
Birmingham City Council ‘has not removed any England flags since start of August’
The presence of the flags, as well as the roundabouts being painted, has sparked a passionate debate in recent days.
Those responsible have described it as a patriotic move to celebrate the country – but there was concern from others amid claims flags were being flown for political reasons and to stir up division.
Regarding the flags, a Birmingham City Council spokesperson said previously that it “proudly flies” the Union flag outside the Council House every day.
“We recognise the importance of the Union Flag and Flag of St George as symbols of national pride,” they said.
“Brummies are proud to be British and proud that this is a welcoming city celebrating many different cultures.
Flags along Genners Lane and Bartley Reservoir in Birmingham(Image: Nick Wilkinson/Birmingham Live)
“When it comes to items attached to lamp posts, it is normal council procedure for these to be removed on a regular basis, in line with our health and safety obligations.
“As has always been the case, people are free to fly or hang flags from their homes or gardens, but we ask that they are not attached to street furniture,” they added.
The council also confirmed this week that it had not removed any England or Union flags since the start of August, adding: “Prior to that we have not kept an inventory but removed attachments as routine.”
In a statement last week, it provided an update on ongoing work to upgrade street lighting in the city, which it said would involve taking down ‘attachments’ from lampposts.
“Work is due to begin imminently, and lamp columns need to remain free from attachments so work can be carried out as quickly and safely as possible,” it said.
READ MORE: Council says ‘Brummies proud to be British’ as flag debate rumbles on
“Lampposts and other street furniture need to be protected which is why highways staff across the city removed around 200 advertising banners and flags that had been attached to lampposts since the start of this year.
“They take down attachments from lampposts routinely, including advertising signs, bunting trails and flags.”
The council said those who attached unauthorised items to lampposts could be “putting their lives and those of motorists and pedestrians at risk”.
The listed risks included falling debris, electrical hazards, obscured visibility and weakening of the lamppost.
“We’re continuing to do this every week and would ask that staff doing this work be allowed to continue this work unhindered,” the council added.