Activists in Oxfordshire agree not to put flags on lampposts after legal action
The judge has scheduled a subsequent hearing on 9th July for those who wish to contest the court order
Four people in Oxfordshire have agreed to stop putting flags on lampposts following a High Court intervention sought by the local council.
The legal action by Oxfordshire County Council aims to address safety concerns, trespass, and obstruction related to the unauthorised flag placement near highways.
The widespread display of Union and St George's Cross flags, spurred by an online campaign named Operation Raise the Colours, has generated debate, prompting several local councils to remove these flags from public structures.
The council emphasised that flags have been placed near roads without consent for several months, despite previously issuing an official legal notice in March, and pre-action letters to involved parties in May.
A short High Court session saw Ryan Bridge, Ben Cullen, Trudy Wells, and Kevin Good agree to cease putting up flags, refrain from encouraging others to do so, and avoid obstructing council staff or contractors during removal activities.
Mr Justice Dexter Dias has scheduled a subsequent hearing on 9th July for those who wish to contest the court order that would restrict further flag installations and obstruction.
During the hearing, Robin Green, representing the council, stated no authorisation was given to the defendants to attach flags to any highway structures, and any such acts are considered offences.
Ryan Bridge, one of the defendants, acknowledged his participation, stating: “We did not want to cause any distress to anybody, which has been stated. I feel it’s a sad day for the flag of our country and what it represents.”
Trudy Wells, who reportedly encouraged flag raising online but claimed never to have participated personally, remarked: “I’m not going to have anything to do with the flags anymore, it’s not worth it.”
Councillor Tim Bearder, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, addressed the situation last week stating: “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.”