Medway Council has completed work to remove flags illegally erected across Medway.
Commenting on the removal, Medway Council Leader, Councillor Vince Maple said:
“This summer a large number of flags were put up illegally across Medway breaching Section 132 of the Highways Act 1980. We promised that we would remove all those illegal flags and we have now delivered on that commitment and removed the vast majority of the flags.
“We have always been proud to fly the Union Flag at Gun Wharf, alongside flags which at various points of the year rightly celebrate different parts of our community such as the Armed Forces Day flag, the Pride Flag and others. Local residents are, of course, free to fly these and other flags on their own property, subject to legislation.
“However, as with flyposting and illegal advertising, we will not allow any unauthorised items to be attached to street furniture such as lampposts and street signs, or for road markings to be defaced - and for this reason we have taken the action as promised.
“It is sad that in our communities, the national flag, which should be a matter of national pride, has now become a sign of division and intolerance which has no place in Medway. Since the flags first appeared, I and many of my council colleagues have received emails from local residents writing about their disappointment that our streets and our national flag have been hijacked, with many of them also expressing that they no longer feel safe in their local area. This is not how Medway should be, and we will continue to take all steps to ensure we remain a welcoming and inclusive community for all.”
Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Highways and Enforcement, Cllr Alex Paterson said:
“On behalf of the council I would like to thank everyone involved in carrying out this work. It was appalling that, on a number of occasions, the contractors working on our behalf were threatened by a number of individuals and forced to stop work.
“We all have a right to go about our work without fear of intimidation and feel safe at work. I know residents will join me in condemning this appalling behaviour by individuals who have tried to sew fear and division, and I would like to thank Kent Police in Medway and our CCTV team for their support.
“In these financially straitened times, it is hugely disappointing that we have had to use council tax payers’ money to remove these illegally raised flags but we will continue to do so if necessary and will take action against anyone found to be breaking the law. We are also examining evidence from when the flags were first put up with a view to possibly taking further enforcement action.
“Flags are designed to bring people together, giving us a symbol to unite behind, to celebrate and commemorate occasions and causes which mean something to us as a community. That is why we will also continue to proudly fly the Union Flag, as well as other flags which represent the rich and diverse communities who call Medway their home, at our Gun Wharf headquarters."