Somerset Council faces a hefty bill of approximately £4,500 each day to remove flags deemed “unlawful” from lampposts and other highway structures. Over recent months, the council’s highways teams have taken down numerous British and English flags, notably along the A39 Bath Road in Bridgwater.
The council has disclosed the financial burden of these removals and criticized those who attach flags to public highway property, emphasizing that these funds could be better allocated toward essential road maintenance. While the council opposes flags placed on highway land without permission, it affirms that individuals are free to display flags on their own property.
Somerset resident Eric Ayers raised concerns about the cost of these removals ahead of the council’s executive meeting on December 3 in Taunton. Unable to attend, his questions were read by council staff, inquiring about the total wasted taxpayer money, whether in-house or external contractors handled the removals, and if such actions ease community tensions.
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Councillor Richard Wilkins, responsible for transport and waste services, confirmed the daily removal cost but did not provide a total figure. He explained that the high expense stems from the number of personnel and specialized equipment required to perform the job safely. Wilkins expressed a preference to divert these funds to more critical road maintenance work.
He stressed the council’s stance against unauthorized attachments to public property, citing the Highways Act 1980, which makes such actions unlawful without explicit permission. The council retains the right to recover removal costs, as do other authorities. Wilkins clarified, “Anyone who wants to fly a flag on their own property is welcome to do so.”
Further addressing the issue, Wilkins remarked that the individuals responsible for the flag displays might not represent the views of the local community. He warned that continued unauthorized flag placements could tarnish Somerset’s reputation. The councillor added, “We want flags to foster belonging, not division.”
Wilkins also condemned the abusive and threatening behavior directed at council staff and contractors during removal operations, stating unequivocally that such conduct is unacceptable.
Council leader Bill Revans acknowledged ongoing police involvement regarding the incidents of abuse and declined further comment.