Somerset Council has issued a fresh comment after Union flags were installed on lampposts along Burnham-On-Sea seafront in an unplanned display.
We reported here that 20 of the flags had been installed by online group Flagman UK on Tuesday night (September 1st) between Burnham Pavilion and the jetty, prompting a variety of opinions on social media.
A Somerset Council spokesperson says: “Anyone who wants to fly a flag from their own property is welcome to do so, but it’s important to remember that many residents do not support these unauthorised public displays. If we want Somerset to remain a welcoming and vibrant place then we need to ensure flags are used to foster belonging, not division.”
“We have been clear that we do not allow any flags to be attached to public property – doing so may put the public or council staff at risk.”
“Attaching any item, including flags, to a light column on highway land without the express permission of the highway authority is unlawful under the Highways Act and costs the authority and council tax-payers money. We will be recovering costs for removal from those responsible.”
