Council threatens prosecution over illegal flags

A council says it is looking to prosecute anyone who is deemed responsible for flying flags on lampposts without permission.

It comes after Shropshire Council announced last month its staff would be removing the flags, also attached to street furniture, because of safety concerns.

The work has since led to a rise in residents, staff and councillors being threatened and intimidated, it added.

Councillor David Vasmer, portfolio holder for highways and environment, made the announcement of the intention to take legal action at a full council meeting, on Thursday.

He conceded however, that it would take time to gather and prepare evidence for cases.

"Removing flags is not normal council business, it is not a statutory service and therefore it comes at an additional cost to the council and its residents, depending on the number and location of flags," Vasmer said.

He added the removals would be in Shrewsbury initially, with plans to remove all unauthorised flags across Shropshire in time.

On Thursday, Vasmer said abusive behaviour had been directed towards residents; staff, including contractors; and councillors, and had affected the pace with which the flags could be removed.

"In the case of intimidation, harassment or abuse where a criminal offence is being committed, we have in these instances, strongly encouraged reporting directly to the police so they can be properly recorded and assessed," Vasmer added.

"Putting up the union flag is not a hate crime and we have never suggested that it is.

"What we do not however support, is the unauthorised attachment of flags or any other objects to street lighting columns, highway infrastructure or other public street furniture due to health and safety issues, damage and costs to residents, nor do we support or tolerate the abuse of our staff and members," Vasmer continued.

He said the authority had put a bid into the Home Office for funds to support engagement with communities around community safety and cohesion issues.

They also requested funds to support the development of local flags, designed with communities.

These flags would be put up alongside the "appropriate display of the union flag and St George's flag," he said.

St George's flags and union jacks have been appearing across England since last summer.

Although groups responsible have described the displays as acts of pride and patriotism, others have said they are provocative at a time when national tensions around immigration are running high.

In its April announcement, the council said it would look to recover costs from those who put the flags up.

The authority said last time they removed them, because of damage caused by Storm Amy, it had cost about £13,000.

Following this, a group that hung England and British flags from lampposts in Shrewsbury offered to take them down for free, to save the council money.

It comes at a time when the council is attempting to cut its expenditure, and recently increased council tax by 9% to help balance its budget.

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