Durham County Council removed flags and bunting displaying the St George's cross and the Union flag from highway infrastructure over safety concerns. A council statement on X said safety must not be compromised despite respect for national pride, celebration, or remembrance. A risk assessment found the rope used was strong enough that a high-sided vehicle striking it could pull down attached poles. The council urged residents to place flags in safer, appropriate locations that comply with standards. Similar removals and routine clearances have occurred in other councils amid rising controversy and instances of vandalism linked to flag displays.
Durham county council issued a statement on X on Friday saying that while the council understand and respect the community's desire to express national pride, celebration, or remembrance, it is important to ensure such expressions do not compromise public safety. The council claimed it had been left with no choice but to remove bunting after a risk assessment found that rope involved was so strong that, had a high-sided vehicle driven into it, the poles it was attached to could have been pulled down.
The statement said the council's priority remains ensuring the safety and integrity of the highway network, while being mindful of, and responsive to, the communities we serve. It encouraged residents to consider safer and more appropriate locations for flags or other displays that do not involve highway infrastructure and conform to all appropriate standards and regulations.
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