The council has issued a statement
Flags on lampposts outside GMP(Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News)
Union flags have been attached to lampposts surrounding Greater Manchester Police’s headquarters in Newton Heath.
Images taken by the M.E.N. show flags flying around GMP HQ at Central Park.
England flags and Union flags have been appearing on lampposts – and being painted on roundabouts – across Greater Manchester in recent weeks in a trend that has been spreading across the country.
It’s understood councils are removing flags causing safety concerns, but those that aren’t are being left in situ.
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And it appears roads around the police stations that form GMP HQ have also been included in the campaign, which has attracted mixed views and interpretations nationwide.
Greater Manchester Police said it was a matter for the council as to whether the flags would remain up or be taken down.
The council has moved to clarify its position(Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News)
Manchester City Council confirmed its policy would be applied no matter where flags appear in the council area.
Where flags are displayed, providing they do not pose safety concerns, they will be left up.
In a statement, the council said: “Manchester is proudly diverse, tolerant and welcoming and we believe that our national flags should be symbols for everyone – symbols that bring people together and do not divide us.
Flags outside GMP(Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News)
“We want our residents to feel proud of where they live and, as such, where flags are displayed – provided they pose no safety concerns and haven’t caused damage – they will be left in place.
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“At the same time, the Council is responsible for public safety. Any road markings, such as zebra crossings or roundabouts, that have been painted over will be scheduled for cleaning and repair.
“Road markings must meet legal standards to make sure they are safe and accessible for all road users. And we will take a similar approach to clearing highways infrastructure, such as traffic lights, to make sure our roads are safe.”
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