Wiltshire Council has clarified its position regarding the St George crosses that have appeared on roundabouts throughout the county, following a month of public attention since the initial markings surfaced in Chippenham on September 20.
The phenomenon quickly spread to other areas such as Devizes, with crosses painted on roundabouts and flags – including St George crosses and Union flags – being attached to lampposts and other street fixtures. This activity was part of a social media-driven campaign known as Operation Raise the Colours.
In addition to these road-based displays, some of Wiltshire’s iconic white horse hill figures were marked with red crosses. Alton Barnes white horse was temporarily painted but the markings were washed away by heavy rain within hours. Meanwhile, the Westbury white horse received a fabric covering that caused minor damage.
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Initially labeling the painted crosses on roundabouts as vandalism, Wiltshire Council asserted its intention to remove flags in accordance with existing highways policies. Similar policies had been enforced earlier in the year to remove bunting ahead of the Box Revels festivity.
Recently, the council confirmed it has not repainted any road markings or roundabouts, indicating that the painted crosses are gradually fading due to weather and traffic. The council is currently compiling a comprehensive list of affected sites to determine the most appropriate methods of addressing the issue.
“We do not have a full picture of what the cost will be for this, and priority is given to locations where there is a safety implication,” the council stated.
Some flags have been removed where they were deemed to present safety hazards. Councillor Martin Smith, cabinet member for highways and street scene, emphasized the council’s responsibility to maintain safe and tidy public roads.
“We are aware that flags have recently been placed on some of our lampposts and painted on roundabouts without prior permission,” he explained. “Items such as banners, bunting, and flags installed on or near highways can pose safety risks to road users and may detract from the area’s overall tidiness.”
Cllr Smith added that the council welcomes efforts to celebrate local occasions but urges community groups and local councils to collaborate with the council’s highways team when planning displays.
“It is essential that any promotional materials placed on council land receive prior approval from Wiltshire Council,” he said.
The council continues to weigh its options on how best to manage the situation, always prioritizing road safety and community engagement.