Residents of Church Road in Northwich, Cheshire, have been instructed by their local council to remove England flags and bunting displayed to support the national team during the World Cup. Cheshire West and Chester Council has stated that the unauthorized decorations, strung across the street from drainpipes, lamp posts, and trees, are a "clear danger" to drivers and pedestrians.
The council has issued letters to homeowners, asserting that the display is unlawful and could be considered anti-social behavior. Officials have requested information on who is responsible for putting up the flags. The council cited legislation including the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 and the Highways Act 1980 in its directive. A council statement indicated that there have been incidents where flags have fallen on vehicles and obscured road signs, posing a safety risk.
Residents have voiced their frustration, with many calling the council's actions "madness" and "bonkers." They argue that the decorations create a positive atmosphere and bring the community together, with many stating they will refuse to remove the flags as long as England remains in the tournament. "Everyone is happy about the flags," said scaffolder Ian Lee, 27. "We all just want to show our support for England. The council are being real killjoys."
Beautician Emily Disley-Joyson, 26, echoed these sentiments, stating, "The World Cup brings everyone together." Retired nurse Ruth Patterson, 69, described the council's stance as "bonkers," emphasizing that the displays "brings us all together." Maxine Simeone, 51, added that the decorations create a "great atmosphere" and that no one wishes to reveal who organized the display, comparing the festive mood to that of the Jubilee celebrations.
The council, a Labour minority-run authority, acknowledged that flags are an "important symbol of national identity, unity, and respect" when flown from public buildings. However, they maintained that "the unauthorised fixing of flags to streetlights, road signs, or other highway infrastructure is unlawful and unacceptable." They further noted that council operatives are also put at risk when required to remove such installations.
This issue of England flags on public infrastructure has become a point of contention, with past campaigns linking such displays to far-right groups. Other councils have also addressed similar situations. Bristol City Council previously advised against putting up England flags due to potential health and safety dangers and a lack of inclusivity. In contrast, some streets, like Torrington Avenue, have defied warnings and decorated extensively. Cambridgeshire County Council has called displays on houses and cars "fantastic" but deemed attachments to public lamp posts "not appropriate." Oxfordshire County Council previously obtained a High Court injunction prohibiting the flying of flags on or near public highways.