Many people had similar views on the nature of the flags put up in parts of north Liverpool
Cllr Alan Gibbons said he challenged a group of three men who were putting the flags up in Orrell Park and Walton Vale
Those hanging England flags from lampposts in parts of North Liverpool have been labelled as “divisive” after a row kicked off and a local councillor claimed he was followed home and intimidated. Today the ECHO reported on an incident in the Orrell Park and Walton Vale areas that took place on Saturday.
Councillor Alan Gibbons said he confronted those who were putting the flags up, leading to a confrontation. Some of the flags had messages including ‘Stop the Boats’ on them, while others targeted Kim Johnson, Liverpool’s only black MP, who does not represent the area in question.
Cllr Gibbons, part of the Your Party group on Liverpool City Council, said that after challenging the three men, who were using a ladder to put the flags up in the area, he believes he was followed home and filmed.
ECHO readers have been reacting to the news today, with many agreeing that the flags are not being put up to show national pride or unity, but are actually divisive considering some of the messages involved.
Others agreed with Cllr Gibbons that putting up flags on council-property such as lampposts is not authorised and said they should be taken down.
Neil Gorton made this point: “You are allowed to fly the flag on your own property, you are not allowed to display a flag on council-owned assets like lampposts in the UK without prior permission from the local authority.
“It is illegal to attach items to lampposts and other public highway structures without consent, as it poses health and safety risks and can be considered an offense under the Highways Act 1980.”
One of the England flags that was put up in the Orrell Park area over the weekend
In his comments, Cllr Gibbons asked why the men putting up the flags were not out picking up litter like he was, saying this was the more patriotic act.
Janet Williams agreed, stating: “Well said that councillor. Being patriotic and proud is getting out there litter picking and looking after your area.
“I litter pick and remember when these flags went up in Park Road. Seeing the photo of the flags above a very littered street I said exactly what this councillor said.”
Jen Morrin commented on the fact that Kim Johnson, an MP for a different area, was targeted in some of the messages associated with these flags. Ms Johnson, Liverpool’s first black MP, does not represent the constituency where they were being displayed.
Ms Morrin said: “Just shows the mentality of these people, putting up a flag with a message to remove Kim Johnson when it isn’t even her constituency. Stupid is as stupid does.”
Seamus Williams posted a picture of graffiti left in the Seaforth and Litherland area recently, which had an England flag depicted along with messages of ‘Stop the Boats’ and deeply offensive messages targeted at muslims.
He then asked: “Sorry just so we’re clear for those whose saying the flags have nothing to do with racism is this what you mean? For those who saying it is about patriotism does this make you feel patriotic pride in our flag and country?”
Phil Charnock added: “Once again, the flags had racist slogans on them, hence the need to act on them quickly.
“Probably intentional so they get more attention and are taken down. It’s a divisive tactic, don’t fall for it. Stick flags on your own property and keep them free of racist bilge and they won’t be taken down.”