THE council responsible for lamp posts in Harlow appear to have no intention of removing flags attached to them.

YH understands that the flags were placed as part of a promotion for a demonstration in London organised by the far right.

But that was late September. Now in the first week of November, they remain there. Many look bedraggled however, it looks like they are there to stay.

We asked Essex Council a very specific question on what was their plan for taking the flags down and perhaps provide a timescale.

A spokesperson for Essex County Council said: “We fully support people’s right to fly the St George’s Cross with pride, as we do outside our headquarters at County Hall. 

“However, we strongly discourage anyone from altering highways infrastructure on roundabouts, crossings and signs across Essex. This significantly risks the safety of road users because it is a distraction. This also applies to flags that pose a safety risk to users on the highways.

“Where there is a risk to safety we will be repainting and reinstating highways assets, which unfortunately comes at a cost to taxpayers.”

We also cc’d all four of Harlow’s Essex County Council members. They are: Andrew Johnson, Mike Hardware, Clive Souter and Mike Garnett.

They have not replied.

Attaching any item, be that a flag or other display, to a lamppost or other street furniture is an offence under the Highways Act.

So we imagine, people could either go on line to Essex Police or go through a complicated process on Essex County Council’s website and report the flags under “damaged”.

Now compare this to Hertfordshire, where they have adopted a different approach.

On their website , is a very clear message.

It states: “Whilst we recognise the importance of the Union Flag and the Flag of St George as symbols of national pride, we have a policy of not allowing any items to be attached to lampposts and other street furniture we are responsible for without our permission. 

“Unauthorised items attached to lampposts and graffiti on the highway will be removed. This will be done when a team is available, though we are unable to provide a specific timescale”.

Last month they issued a press release, which stated

“Police could now be called on to protect highways contractors as they remove St George’s flags from lampposts in Hertfordshire, following incidents where workers have been verbally abused and spat at”.

Some may look at the political optics. The Liberal Democrats run Hertfordshire County Council. The Conservatives run Essex.

If you wish to contact your councillor directly.

Harlow North: [email protected]

Harlow West: [email protected]

Harlow West: [email protected]

Harlow South East: [email protected]

Portfolio Holder for Highways: [email protected]