County council issues legal notice over unauthorised flag campaign

Members of the campaign group Raise the Colours have been responsible for attaching flags to lampposts and painting them on to roundabouts across the country.

The group describes itself as a "grassroots movement for unity and patriotism" which engages in "lawful civic activism, public awareness, and political accountability".

However, Oxfordshire's leader, Cllr Liz Leffman, claimed erecting the flags was "an act of intimidation” that has created a “unwelcome and unsafe” environment for some residents.

The council said it resolved to take the action following the repeated installation of flags on or near highways without consent. The legal notice requires an individual or organisation to stop a specified activity, it said.

"If the group does not comply with the letter, the council will consider all available options to include, but not limited to, civil and criminal proceedings against the organisation and individuals affiliated with it to prevent further unauthorised action," it added in a statement.

Cllr Leffman said: “The scale and persistence of this activity is affecting communities across Oxfordshire.

“We are proud of our diverse communities in Oxfordshire and of being the first county council to be awarded Local Authority of Sanctuary status. We proudly fly the Union Jack and St George’s flags, which are visible symbols of democracy and unity.

“However, the widespread installation of flags by Raise the Colours is not a sign of patriotism. It is an act of intimidation and division that is having a real and damaging impact on our communities."

She said that residents have reported "feeling distressed, unwelcome and unsafe in their own neighbourhoods", and that council teams removing the flags, together with residents who have challenged the individuals installing them, "have been subject to abuse and threatening behaviour. This is totally unacceptable".

She added: “The council has a responsibility to act where behaviour undermines community cohesion and the safe and inclusive use of public spaces. That is why we are taking firm action.

“We won’t hesitate to take further legal steps where necessary to protect residents and support the cohesion of our communities.”

Raise the Colours has been approached for comment.

Adam Carey