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27
Aug
Council removes St George's flags from lampposts in Knaresborough
North Yorkshire Council has taken down flags of St George in Knaresborough today amid a trend of placing flags on lampposts and other street furniture.
Union flags and the cross of St George have appeared on lampposts and other street furniture up and down the UK in recent days. Some have also been painted on roundabouts.
It has sparked a national debate, as some view the flag as a symbol of respect and celebration, while others associate the campaign with the recent anti-immigration demonstrations.
However, a senior councillor has warned that while that while the council respects individual rights to fly flags on private property, they must not do so on public property.
A Stray Ferret reader has shared a picture from Knaresborough this morning, which appears to show highways teams removing flags from lampposts.
The photograph shows St George’s flags next to a bus stop near to Cotterdale Close in the town.
As previously reported, Cllr Malcolm Taylor, executive councillor for highways at the council, said people must not fly flags on public property.
He said:
While we respect individuals’ rights to fly and paint flags on their own private property, they must not do so on public property.
Such actions are not only illegal but also pose a safety risk to both pedestrians and motorists. The removal of unauthorised flags and markings also incurs costs to the taxpayer and may lead to delays for road users.
Any flags painted on roundabouts or road markings will be removed as soon as resources allow. Flags affixed to street furniture, such as lampposts, will also be taken down.
We appreciate the public’s cooperation in helping to maintain safety and respect for these shared spaces.
The move comes as Ripon found itself at the centre of a national row over the bank holiday weekend about patriotism and racism after far-right activist Tommy Robinson shared a video on his X account.
The video, which is believed to have been filmed near the Dallamires Lane junction, features three young women pulling a flag down from a lamppost.
The incident comes as flags appear in communities across England following the launch of a social media campaign, Operation Raise The Colours.
The grassroots campaign began in Birmingham and East London before spreading across the UK which claims to be a celebration of English and British pride. However, some have raised concern that it is associated the recent anti-immigration demonstrations.
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