The leader of Somerset Council is urging people against painting St George’s flags on local infrastructure after roundabouts and crossings in Frome were vandalised.
The St George’s flags appeared last week on the pedestrian crossing on Berkley Road, outside Frome Medical Practice, by the leisure centre and on a roundabout in the Stonebridge area. The flags appeared following a wider national trend, where St George’s flags and Union Jacks have been appearing in public places around the country.
Residents have shared a mixed response to the flags, raising questions over whether they are a sign of patriotism or if they relate to nationalism and anti-immigration sentiment.
Leader of the council Cllr Bill Revans said, “Flying a flag to show your pride is great. Flying a flag as a protest against your neighbours who are from other countries is not ok. This is especially true for those that work in our NHS and care sectors. And all those areas where we have a shortage of skilled workers. And those who have fled persecution to find a safe haven here.
“Our flag is for everyone in this country. It should bring people together. It symbolises the times when we unite, celebrate and remember. When we support our sports teams, celebrate national events and remember those who have served our country in our armed forces.
“I find it hugely disrespectful that the flag of St George has been painted on the ground on roads and pedestrian crossings. Walking and driving over a symbol of a nation is usually seen as hugely disrespectful. It is also criminal damage. Repairs will be another expense for the council. And the repairs will in turn be represented by some as being unpatriotic to suit a narrative.
“We can choose to be many things in life, as individuals and as a nation. Please, can we choose to be kind?”
A spokesperson for Somerset Council said crossings are being inspected before remedial work is carried out. The spokesperson said, “We would ask people not to put flags or paint symbols on public roads or roundabouts. Defacing road markings in any form is an offence under the Highways Act 1980. It can affect visibility, distract drivers, and increase the risk of accidents for both road users and pedestrians.”
