North Somerset Council has removed unauthorised flags that had been affixed to lampposts along the promenade in Weston-super-Mare by local activists. The council emphasised its support for civic pride but raised concerns over safety risks posed by the flags, which were attached partway up lampposts along the town’s iconic seafront.
The removal comes after a trend that began last year of flags being either fixed to or painted on street furniture around the town. The council explained that such unauthorised displays could pose dangers if the flags fell and obstructed drivers' views, potentially leading to accidents.
On 22 July, social media personality ‘Flagman UK’ shared videos on Facebook showing Union Jacks, St George’s flags, Saltires and the Welsh flag displayed along the seafront. Following their removal on Friday morning, Flagman UK criticised the council on Facebook, calling them “morons” and saying, “I’m looking forward to heading back and putting them right back up.”
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A spokesperson for North Somerset Council stated: “We understand how important national symbols are to many people and North Somerset Council is proud to fly the Union Flag from locations including the Town Hall in Weston-super-Mare. However, this pride should be shown in ways that are respectful and safe.”
“Where flags and other notices are attached to roads and roadsides without permission, they pose a risk to the public where they can fall and obstruct the view of drivers. Therefore, unauthorised flags will be removed.”
“The council is committed to supporting civic pride, but this must be in ways that are within the law. The removal of unauthorised banners also costs money which takes valuable resources away from delivering other, much valued council services.”
Flagman UK further claimed on Facebook: “If the council had simply contacted me, I would’ve happily gone back and removed every flag free of charge. Instead, public time and money were spent removing something that many local people were enjoying.”
North Somerset Council leader Mike Bell addressed the issue on his own Facebook page, clarifying: “This is not about the specific flag or the views it represents. It is about where it has been placed. The council has a duty to manage public highways and public land fairly and consistently.”
He added: “What is not appropriate is attaching flags to highway infrastructure with cable ties, particularly when they are fixed at inconsistent heights, displayed incorrectly, damaged by the weather, mixed with commercial advertising, or create maintenance and safety issues. That approach is unfair to everyone because it turns shared public infrastructure into something that any individual can claim without permission.”