The council said flying flags on public property is illegal “unless prior permission is sought and obtained”
St George’s flags have been appearing on lampposts and other public property across the country(Image: Getty Images)
Knowsley Council has issued a warning to residents after St George’s flags were spotted on lampposts, bridges, and other public assets across the borough. The local authority said the flags had been installed without permission, in violation of regulations designed to protect public safety.
The council emphasised that while it recognises residents may wish to show patriotism, attaching items to council-owned infrastructure is illegal without prior approval.
In a statement, Knowsley Council said: “Recently, a number of flags have been attached to council-owned assets such as lampposts and bridges, which is against the law unless prior permission is sought and obtained – which it hasn’t been.
“When on the public highway, the safety of all road users, pedestrians and cyclists is the Council’s priority. Such items, if not affixed correctly, can pose health and safety risks such as obscuring the view of the road or be a distraction to drivers, as well as the risks to people who climb on such assets to affix items which can also cause damage to the asset too.
“The Council understands that residents’ may wish to show their patriotism through public displays, but public safety is our priority, consequently, the Council will remove any such flags or displays where they:
- Pose a health and safety risk (such that lights may be obscured, a street column could be damaged);
- Are found as part of routine maintenance and prior approval has not been sought; or
- Have, in the Council’s opinion, political or racist undertones or are located to cause community tension.”
While residents are free to display flags on their own private property, the council urged people to ensure they do not cause safety concerns or infringe on others’ rights. It also reminded owners of listed buildings to check with the planning team before flying any flags.
In a more serious development, the Council said it is aware of threats made against personnel involved in removing unauthorised flags. These incidents have been reported to authorities.
The statement continued: “This is completely unacceptable. Any such incidents of staff being threatened will be reported to the appropriate authority and the Council will seek that the strongest penalties are imposed on those responsible.
“It’s important that we all work together to ensure the safety of everyone who lives, works or visits the borough.”
Those responsible for flying the St George’s flags in other areas of the country have claimed they were motivated by ‘pride and patriotism’.
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