Calls have been made for the arrest of activists who have unlawfully attached flags to lampposts along Weston-super-Mare’s seafront this summer.
Helen Thornton, representing Weston-super-Mare Uphill for Labour, raised concerns at a recent North Somerset Council meeting regarding the repeated flagging incidents on Marine Parade. She questioned why those responsible had not been apprehended despite the council notifying the police.
Throughout July and August, activists have fastened Union and St George’s flags to lampposts on multiple occasions using cable ties. Each time, North Somerset Council has removed the flags, citing concerns over public safety risks.
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Attaching materials such as flags to highways infrastructure without prior permission constitutes an offence under the Highways Act and can result in fines of up to £2,500.
Speaking at the full council meeting, Ms Thornton stated: “Over the summer, Flagman UK and Bristol Flagger have attached flags to lampposts on Marine Parade on, I believe, three separate occasions. The council has removed those flags each time. Attaching signs, banners or flags to public lampposts without the council’s consent is illegal under section 132 of the Highways Act. As a council, we cannot condone breaking the law. Therefore, I ask why the police have not taken action to arrest those responsible, especially since the evidence is publicly available on Facebook.”
The Flagman UK Facebook page contains various videos of the flaggings, accompanied by AI-generated music discussing tax payments, as well as footage of confrontations with members of the public, including an incident involving Weston-super-Mare’s deputy mayor.
Hugh Malyan, council cabinet member for highways and Labour councillor for Weston-super-Mare South Worle, explained the council’s position: “On the last two occasions when flags appeared on the seafront, our CCTV team informed the police in real time. Unfortunately, due to operational priorities and resource management, the police were unable to attend.
“It appears the police consider this primarily a matter for the highways authority rather than routine policing. Of course, if any criminal damage, breach of the peace, public disorder or threatening behaviour occurs, police intervention would be expected.
“We continue to engage with the police to discuss preventative measures and responses moving forward, so dialogue remains ongoing.”
An Avon & Somerset Police spokesperson added: “The hanging of flags from lampposts is regarded as a civil matter. Police would only respond if offences such as criminal damage, public order breaches or suspected breaches of the peace are reported.”