Council to take down St George's flags over safety concerns

Council to take down St George's flags over safety concernsA council has said it 'does not prohibit' expressions of patriotism, but putting flags on public infrastructure was a safety issue and they will be removed soonNewsBenjamin Lynch News Reporter20:10, 11 Apr 2026View 2 ImagesA trend of putting flags on public property has emerged(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)A council will remove national flags from lampposts and other infrastructure due to safety concerns and pursue the costs of their removal.‌Shropshire Council said it “does not prohibit” or object to expressions of patriotism, including the display of national flags. Putting up flags on public highways without permission may be considered a criminal offence, however.‌Flags have been put up across Shropshire after the council had previously pledged not to “police people” on the issue.‌All flags will be removed from street lighting columns and other highway assets. Removals will begin in Shrewsbury, with plans to remove them across the county later on.View 2 ImagesFlag removals will begin in Shrewsbury, the council said(Image: Getty)READ MORE: People smugglers offer £500 'summer deals' for desperate migrants to cross ChannelREAD MORE: Donald Trump faces fresh demands to testify under oath after Melania's bizarre Epstein speech“We do not support the unauthorised attachment of flags or any other objects to street lighting columns, highway infrastructure or other public street furniture,” the council said in a statement.‌“This can cause damage, maintenance issues, create a nuisance, hazard or breach the Code of Recommended Practice on Local Authority Publicity and as such is not permitted. Political messaging is also not permitted.”It said permission is needed for anything attached to council property.“The unauthorised affixing of any signage or other similar item to the highway or highway structure can be deemed as a criminal offence,” it said.‌The council said its budget can be...