Vandals painting the St George’s Cross on road markings across North Somerset have forced the council to spend thousands of pounds on restoration—an amount that could instead fill around 200 potholes.
Hannah Young, North Somerset Council’s cabinet member for Highways, revealed at a recent council meeting that repainting road markings and removing illegally placed flags have so far cost £6,000. “What could we do with £6,000? We could fill 200 potholes, which I would personally prefer,” Young stated.
The issue was raised following concerns from Councillor Helen Thornton, who linked the flags to a far-right campaign called Operation Raise the Colours. She warned that such actions might intimidate Black and ethnic minority communities. Though the campaign describes itself as an expression of patriotism, Thornton emphasized that regardless of intent, these acts constitute vandalism and anti-social behaviour.
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Thornton expressed frustration over ongoing repainting efforts: “A zebra crossing in my ward was freshly painted white to cover red markings, only for someone to paint it red again days later. This cycle is costly and disruptive.”
While Young stressed that attaching flags to lampposts posed safety risks by distracting drivers, James Clayton, the council’s cabinet member for community safety, took a more nuanced stance. “I have no issue with people showing pride through St George’s Flags or Union Jacks on lampposts,” he said. “However, painting over road markings and crossings is vandalism—unsafe, damaging to public property, and disrespectful to our flag.”
Clayton noted that no residents had reported feeling unsafe due to the recent displays, though he acknowledged links to national campaigns concerned about immigration. He reiterated that the national flag represents unity across all backgrounds, faiths, and heritages and should not be co-opted by any group. His remarks received applause from some Conservative council members.
In August, Young issued a statement underscoring the council’s pride in national symbols, noting that the Union Flag flies at key locations like Weston-super-Mare Town Hall. However, she urged citizens to demonstrate their pride respectfully and safely. The council warned that defacing road markings is a criminal offense under the Highways Act 1980 due to the risks it poses to road users and pedestrians.