Rotherham Council has removed 56 flags from lampposts or signs since 2025
Many Union and St George flags were put up last year after a viral online campaign
Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council has removed 56 flags from street furniture since the start of 2025, according to figures released under the Freedom of Information Act.
Of those, three were removed during 2025, with a further 53 taken down since 1 January 2026 after becoming low-lying or obstructing road signs.
A Freedom of Information request covering January 1 to December 31 2025 found the council recorded no complaints through its corporate complaints process relating to flags displayed on lamp posts, roundabouts, bridges or other street furniture.
However, the authority said it received 71 service requests – reports logged through its operational system – about flags attached to street furniture during that period.
In 2025, one length of bunting was removed from Flanderwell Lane in Flanderwell and two flags were taken down from Rotherham Road in Maltby, all in December.
The issue comes amid wider national debate about flags displayed on street furniture, with some councils removing them on safety grounds while campaign groups say they represent patriotism and community pride.
Sam Barstow, the council’s service director for community safety and street scene, said flags or bunting are removed when they are “in poor condition or pose a safety risk”.
“Flags or bunting are removed when they are in poor condition or pose a safety risk, such as becoming loose or obstructing road signage,” he said.
He added that routine inspections in December 2025 identified items meeting that criteria, with further removals taking place since January following winter weather.
The council said the cost of removing flags is not recorded separately, as the work is carried out as part of wider operational duties.
It has previously said it is willing to support parish councils and community groups wishing to fly flags from buildings instead, and is running a public consultation on the issue until 9 March