Call for removal of 'unwelcoming' Union Jack flags

Green councillors are calling for flags which have been put up in Surrey to be taken down, after claims that complaints about previous incidents were not acted on.

Union Jack and St George's cross flags were attached to lampposts in Redhill on Tuesday, which the town's councillor Jonathan Essex said could make some in the community feel "unwelcome".

Essex, one of eight Green councillors in East Surrey, said that he had been contacted by a "large number of people" asking for the flags to be taken down.

A council spokesperson said that it recognised the importance of the flags as "symbols of national pride" but that items must be legally approved.

Essex added: "We have a set of rules and we should uphold them.

"I wouldn't object to flags going up to commemorate a certain day, but I don't think they should be put up indiscriminately.

"It should be something that unites us, but they can feel unwelcoming, threatening and intimidating if put up illegally."

Essex also claimed that other flags in Horley had remained in place despite reports.

The council spokesperson said: "Unauthorised items attached to lampposts, or paintings on road markings can pose a risk to both drivers and pedestrians so it is our standard procedure to remove them."

Those which have not been approved are removed during routine inspections, the council added.

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