Security guards brought in to protect workers taking down England and Union Jack flags in Derby
It's as they faced threatening behaviour on several incidents while flags were being removed from lampposts and bridges
Security guards have been appointed in Derby to protect workers removing England and Union Jack flags after they were subjected to “threatening behaviour”.
Derby City Council says it has used third-party security in recent weeks because of “threatening behaviour and threats towards contractors simply doing their jobs”.
The use of security guards following “multiple incidents” is costing the council hundreds of pounds, according to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request.
But no more details of the security provided can be released “for safety reasons”, says the council.
Recently, the local authority said removing flags would be carried out at no additional cost as it was part of a contract with its street lighting furniture contractor, Balfour Beatty.
The need for security comes following a controversial council U-turn to remove St George and UK flags from lampposts and bridges after many were put up earlier this year as a symbol of patriotism.
At first, the Labour-led city council said it was not going to exercise “discretionary legal powers to remove flags or bunting that had been placed on street furniture”.
But in September the authority announced it was “time to bring this campaign of flag flying to an end”.
Cabinet member Sarah Chambers said it “needed to begin clearing lampposts for future seasonal and commemorative events” – which received public criticism.
One angry resident, it was reported, said flags could be put back on lampposts and bridges in protest against the council’s actions.
The Spondon resident said: “I think some people may just put the flags back up. I doubt this is the end of it.”
Details of bringing in security guards were released in response to an FOI request about flag removal costs.
The council revealed in the request that it cost the council £1,400 to provide security cover, as of December 17.
A Derby City Council spokesperson said: “In late November, third-party security was appointed by the council to ensure the safety of our street lighting contractors when removing flags from public areas.
“This is in response to multiple incidents of threatening behaviour and threats towards contractors simply doing their jobs.
“The council absolutely condemns this behaviour and believes that people have a right to carry out their roles safely and without fear.
“We cannot release specific details about the security provided for safety reasons.”
In the FOI, the council said police had not been involved with escorting the team removing flags.