FOLLOWING on from the flying of flags – including St George Crosses and Union Flags – on lamp posts in Birmingham, the campaign has been increased to mini roundabouts.
Mini roundabouts in south west Birmingham, Bromsgrove and Redditch have been decorated with George Crosses in another show of patriotism.
A St George Cross on the roundabout by Wolverton Road in Rednal. Picture by Sonny Rackham. Copyright Bullivant Media.
We have contacted Birmingham City Council amidst some being painted in Rednal and Worcestershire County Council for a response for the Bromsgrove and Redditch ‘flag flying’.
A Birmingham City Council spokesperson said: “We proudly fly the Union Flag outside the Council House every day and recognise the importance of the Union Flag and Flag of St George as symbols of national pride.
“Brummies are proud to be British and proud that this is a welcoming city celebrating many different cultures.
“When it comes to items attached to lamp posts, it is normal council procedure for these to be removed on a regular basis, in line with our health and safety obligations.
“Similarly, painting the Flag of St George on road islands, while expressing national pride, is unlawful and potentially dangerous for the person painting the flag and for motorists.
“As has always been the case, people are free to fly or hang flags from their homes or gardens, but we ask that they are not attached or added to street furniture.”
A Worcestershire County Council spokesperson said: “All road markings on the county’s highway network are strictly regulated for safety, including those on roundabouts of any size.
“Changes to agreed road markings must not be made unless approved by the Highway Authority, in line with these regulations.
“Unofficial actions on the highway network could be distracting or cause confusion to some road users so will therefore be removed.”
Richard Field, West Mercia Police Safer Neighbourhood Inspector, added: “Painting roundabouts is not only dangerous to drivers and pedestrians, but it also amounts to criminal damage.
“We are working closely with partners, including Worcestershire County Council, to tackle this issue and will investigate where appropriate.”
Worcestershire County Council, Coun Joanne Monk, said: “In Worcestershire, we are proud of our English and British identities.
“I of course support flying both flags proudly throughout the county.
“Our national flags are a symbol of our national pride, and I will champion efforts that celebrates our nation.”
Worcestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Coun Karl Perks, added: “There are many ways people can show their pride by flying the St George’s flag – in your own front and back gardens, on your cars, in your windows and on community buildings where agreed by the whole community.
“Climbing up lampposts and attaching flags to them may not be the best thing to do, mostly because it’s dangerous and could cause damage.
“There are no specific plans to remove the flags.”
What do you think?
We reported on our sister paper – the Bromsgrove Standard – website last week how, after we covered the Union Flags and St George Crosses on lamp posts story, Standard readers overwhelmingly came out in support of the actions in south west Birmingham.
We would be interested in finding out what people think of this latest practice regarding the mini roundabouts. Either email us to: [email protected] or comment on this story on our Facebook page.
