Injunction aims to end 'distressing' lamppost flags

An application for an injunction to prevent flags which have "caused fear and division" from being hung on lampposts has been filed with the High Court.

The Raise the Colours group have hung St George's Cross and Union Jack flags next to roads across Oxfordshire over the past year.

Having issued a formal legal notice to the group in April, Oxfordshire County Council has now taken its campaign to end the group's actions to the High Court.

Council leader Tim Bearder said the application for an injunction was "about protecting our residents, our workforce and the values we stand for as a county".

"This activity is not about national pride or unity," he said of the flag hanging.

"It is unlawful behaviour, which has caused fear and division within our communities."

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.

If successful, the injunction would legally oblige Raise the Colours to end the unauthorised placement of flags on highway infrastructure - such as lampposts.

It would also prevent the group from interfering with council workers removing the flags.

The council said the application followed "months of sustained activity involving the placement of flags on or near the public highway without permission".

It said residents "across Oxfordshire" had complained about "safety risks, intimidation and distress" linked to the flag activity.

The authority previously said its officers had "encountered aggressive behaviour" while removing flags from lampposts.

Bearder said: "We proudly fly the Union Flag and St George's flag at County Hall and we fully support the right of residents to display flags on their own private property."

"However, there's an important distinction between lawful expression and activity that puts people at risk or intimidates residents in their own communities."

"We have a clear responsibility to keep people safe and ensure our public spaces are welcoming and inclusive for everyone," he added.

The High Court will hear the council's application at the Royal Courts of Justice on 23 June.