Concerns over 'men in balaclavas' putting up flags in Cheltenham
A mix of Union Flags and St George's Cross were put up this week
There are concerns men in balaclavas were reportedly seen attaching flags to lampposts in Cheltenham this week.
A mix of Union Flags and St George’s Cross were put up near the Evesham Road and Wellington Road junction earlier this week.
Councillor Julian Tooke who represents that part of the spa town at Gloucestershire County Council said he was contacted by a concerned resident.
He said she witnessed men get out of a van and use a lift to attach flags high up on the lampposts.
“On Tuesday evening, a distressed resident contacted me because she saw six to ten men in balaclavas come out of a van and use a lift to attach flags to the top of high lampposts on the junction of Evesham Road and Wellington Road,” he said.
“I’m all for flying our flags at appropriate and lawful places but the intimidating sight of men in balaclavas hoisting flags fills many people with fear and disgust.”
Cllr Tooke also said it appears other flags have been put up nearby which he believes may be a form of “counter protest”.
A few miles up the road in Woodmancote, County Councillor Cheryl Agg said flags were put up around the village including a Pride flag and an American one.
“As I woke up and saw a row of flags strung from the lampposts, it really struck me how often noise and display get mistaken for patriotism,” she said.
“Real pride in this country isn’t measured in flags hung overnight — it’s measured in how we treat each other.
“It’s in action, not decoration.
“I see far more genuine British spirit in the people who volunteer, support neighbours, and quietly keep our communities going than in any amount of flag‑waving.
“Patriotism isn’t proved by what we put on a lamppost, but by what we put into our communities.”
She believes the policy of Gloucestershire County Council is not to use taxpayers’ money to take them down unless they cause an obstruction or are a safety hazard.
“The problem is the moment they are taken down someone thinks it’s a great idea to go and stick them back up again,” she said.
“It’s not the first time we’ve had them in the village but this time they are prolific.”
Gloucestershire County Council has been approached for comment.