Injunction ban on lamppost flags extended

A court injuction to end the flying of flags from lamposts has been made permanent.

Oxfordshire County Council brought legal action against a group of four named individuals last month in an attempt to stop people raising flags near highways - which it said involved safety risks, as well as trespass and obstruction.

A further hearing on Thursday extended the injunction for a year, with the option to extend further.

The council said it would "seek robust action" against any individual or group that breached the order.

"The application aimed to stop repeated interference with the highway and the council's legal duties as highway authority," it said.

Following the hearing in June, the group agreed not to encourage others to put flags up, and not to obstruct any council worker or contractor taking them down.

Those associated with the Raise the Colours movement have hung St George's and union flags next to roads across the county over the past year.

Oxfordshire County Council previously said its officers had "encountered aggressive behaviour" while removing flags from lampposts.

The injunction means any person breaching the order could face prison, a fine or having their assets seized.

Speaking after the previous hearing, one of the named individuals, Ryan Bridge said: "I feel it's a sad day for the flag of our country and what it represents."

The injunction does not relate to people who wish to fly flags on their own private property.

Oxfordshire County Council said it "proudly" flies the union and St George's flags at County Hall and "fully supports" the right of residents to display their own flags.

The widespread flying of flags has become contentious and several local authorities have removed them from public infrastructure.

While some politicians decried the removals, others claimed the increased number being flown was a result of xenophobia or racism.