A council has ripped down several Union Flags on a busy road over fears they could cause a traffic accident.
The amount of Union Flags and England flags visible around the country have exploded following a campaign by a group called the Weoley Warriors.
The group has raised more than £20,000 to put up flags so they can ‘show Birmingham and the rest of the country of how proud we are of our history, freedoms and achievements’.
But the group’s reach has spread further than their initial campaign, with St George’s flags being spray-painted on roundabouts and zebra crossings and flags hung from lampposts across the UK.
One man has even been arrested on suspicion of vandalism after several England flags were painted over a parade of shops in Essex – and one council has now had to step in to remove the flags.
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Durham county council took down Union Flags and bunting which had been hung from lampposts and across a busy road in New Brancepeth on Thursday.
They feared that if a high-sided vehicle drove into and caught the rope involved, the poles it was attached to could be pulled down.
A council spokesperson said: ‘Yesterday we were left with no choice but to remove bunting across a road at New Brancepeth, following a risk assessment.
‘The rope involved was so strong that, had a high-sided vehicle driven into it, the poles it was attached to could have been pulled down.
‘We will initially only remove flags and decorations where they pose a danger to highway users, obstruct visibility for drivers or pedestrians, or are poorly secured or loose, increasing the risk of falling.
‘We also want to highlight the significant safety risks involved in the installation of flags on lighting columns.
‘The weight of a person climbing or working on a column can lead to structural failure, endangering both the installer and the public.
‘We encourage residents to consider safer and more appropriate locations for flags or other displays that do not involve highway infrastructure.
‘While we understand and respect the community’s desire to express national pride, celebration, or remembrance, it is important to ensure such expressions do not compromise public safety.’
Local leaders have condemned opportunists who have jumped on the national trend and used it as an excuse to cause criminal damage.
Steve Harker, leader of Darlington council, said he ‘condemns’ politically motivated graffiti and criminal damage around the town.
Residents have had a mixed response to the flags being taken down.
One said: ‘Maybe they could go and do some litter picking instead if they want to express some pride in the area.’
But another commented: ‘A very well balanced approach, well done DCC, this is exactly how it is done.’
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