Residents of Henllys in Cwmbran spent a day removing St George's Crosses and Nazi symbols from about 20 road signs and public spaces after the markings appeared around the village, local people and the council said.
Volunteers, led by resident Sam Higgins and local councillor Fiona Cross, gathered to paint over the symbols, which also included the words "Stop the boats" on a subway used by schoolchildren. Gwent Police said the incident had been reported and that local officers were making inquiries; Torfaen council thanked residents for stepping in to remove the graffiti and noted that vandalised signs may need cleaning or replacement.
About 15 people took part in the clean-up, which volunteers said ranged from parents who fitted the work around childcare to younger residents. "Those who painted the signage want to divide people," Higgins said. "The clean-up has sent a much stronger message." Councillor Cross said the vandalism "doesn't represent the views of the majority, but a minority," and added that while she supported free speech, defacing public property was not an appropriate way to express views.
The appearance of St George's Crosses in Henllys follows a series of similar incidents across the United Kingdom. St George's flags and painted crosses emerged on streets in England after public displays linked to sporting events in July and have been placed on roundabouts and lamp posts in several English towns since August. Campaigns and groups such as the self-described Weoley Warriors and the national movement known as Operation Raise the Colours have been associated with efforts to display the flag. Organisers of some flag drives have said their actions are motivated by pride and patriotism.
Some observers have voiced concern about the appropriation of national flags and crosses by far-right or extremist groups. Vexillologist Malcom Farrow said that Britain, historically less prone to public flag displays than some countries, has seen flags hijacked by different groups. Campaigns linked to flag displays have raised funds and drawn thousands of supporters online in some local areas, while also prompting unease among residents who view the symbols as provocative amid debates over immigration and national identity.
Police and councils have launched investigations or removed similar markings elsewhere. In recent months, swastikas were reported on public spaces in Maesteg in Bridgend county and other locations, prompting inquiries. A separate incident in Llandudno, Conwy county, involving painting of the England flag on a roundabout was also under police investigation.
Torfaen council's director of neighbourhoods and environment, Mark Thomas, thanked the Henllys community for removing graffiti and warned that any unauthorised adornments or graffiti on road signs pose a potential safety risk. "Road signs are there to help inform road users and any unauthorised adornments or graffiti is a potential safety risk," he said.
Residents who joined the clean-up said they felt "empowered" by the response. Higgins said the group had been inundated with offers of help and that the effort reinforced local cohesion. "Cwmbran is a new town, full of new people, we don't want that here," she said. "It goes against everything we have built up."
Gwent Police did not provide details about suspects or motives while inquiries continue. Torfaen council said additional repairs may be needed for any signs that cannot be restored by cleaning.