Oxford County Council takes action over flags
It's issued a formal legal notice
Oxfordshire County Council has today issued a formal legal notice to Raise the Colours, in response to its continued placing of flags across the county.
This notice requires an individual or organisation to stop a specified activity. The council has taken this action following the repeated installation of flags on or near highways without consent.
If the group does not comply with the letter, the council will consider all available options to include, but not limited to, civil and criminal proceedings against the organisation and individuals affiliated with it to prevent further unauthorised action.
Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, Councillor Liz Leffman, said: “The scale and persistence of this activity is affecting communities across Oxfordshire.
“We are proud of our diverse communities in Oxfordshire and of being the first county council to be awarded Local Authority of Sanctuary status. We proudly fly the Union Jack and St George’s flags, which are visible symbols of democracy and unity.
“However, the widespread installation of flags by Raise the Colours is not a sign of patriotism. It is an act of intimidation and division that is having a real and damaging impact on our communities.
“Our residents report feeling distressed, unwelcome and unsafe in their own neighbourhoods. Our teams removing the flags, together with residents who have challenged the individuals installing them, have been subject to abuse and threatening behaviour. This is totally unacceptable.
“The council has a responsibility to act where behaviour undermines community cohesion and the safe and inclusive use of public spaces. That is why we are taking firm action.
“We won’t hesitate to take further legal steps where necessary to protect residents and support the cohesion of our communities.”