Shropshire Council looking to prosecute people who put up flags without permission
Councillor David Vasmer said the council is looking to prosecute anyone who has affixed anything without permission
Shropshire Council is looking to prosecute anyone deemed to have attached flags on lampposts without permission.
The flying of the Union and St George’s flags has been a contentious issue in the county for months ever since there was an England-wide movement to add the national symbols to street furniture.
Flags across Shrewsbury have largely been organised by the Raise the Flags Shrewsbury Plus group, which has an ongoing fundraiser to support the efforts.
In recent months an organised effort to remove the flags, called Lower the Flags, has also sprung up.
The group has posted videos of its masked members pulling flags down across Shrewsbury.
Last month Shropshire Council said it would be removing “unauthorised flags” and charging those responsible for the costs.
The local authority later said its members have been threatened over the ongoing issue – and urged people to report incidents to the police.
At a full council meeting on Thursday (May 14), the Liberal Democrat-led adminstration was asked for an update.
Councillor David Vasmer, portfolio holder for highways and environment, said the council is looking to prosecute anyone who has affixed anything without authority, although conceded it takes time to gather and prepare evidence.
“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,” said Councillor Vasmer.
“But we plan to remove all unauthorised flags from our street lighting columns and other highway assets. This will be in Shrewsbury initially with plans to remove all unauthorised flags across the county in time.”
Councillor Vasmer added that the rise in reports of abuse, harassment and intimidation made against residents, staff (including contractors) and councillors has impacted on the pace with which the council can remove the flags.
“We would like to take this opportunity to say this abuse is not acceptable and will not be ignored,” said Councillor Vasmer.
“In the case of Intimation, 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.
“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.
“In addition, we have been working with partners and have put a bid into the Home Office for funds to support engagement with all our communities around community safety and cohesion issues.
“We have also requested funds to support the development of local flags, designed for and with our communities, including our young people, that relate to our heritage and communities. These flags to be put up alongside the appropriate display of the Union flag and St George’s flag.”