An appeal requests donations to fund reporters covering reproductive rights, climate change and Big Tech. Portsmouth Guildhall, a 19th-century Victorian events hall, was defaced with a painted St George's Cross; the council called the act upsetting, unlawful and costly to repair. The painting has been removed but visible damage remains. The council said it must remove symbols painted on roads but will not remove flags on lamp posts unless they cause a hazard. Police accused of taking down a Union flag said they were fitting anti-vandal cameras; a social media post showed officers beside a lamppost with a flag.
Portsmouth Guildhall, a Victorian hall now used as an events venue, is one of several buildings and roads across the city that have been emblazoned with the red-and-white symbol, Portsmouth City Council confirmed. A spokesperson for the council said on Friday: The Guildhall is a civic and cultural landmark of great importance to the city and its residents. Damaging it is upsetting, unlawful and costly to repair.
The council said it has a legal duty to remove any symbols painted on roads, but said no action is currently being taken to remove flags hanging from lamp posts or other public infrastructure if they are not causing a hazard. It comes after police officers accused of taking down a Union flag said they were actually fitting anti-vandal cameras for a local church. A post on X showed officers on a cherry-picker beside a lamppost with a flag attached.
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