Council removes Union Flags hung by residents – and blames moist climate | UK | News | EUROtoday

A British council has blamed moist climate for having to take away flags hoisted on its patch. Oxfordshire County Council insisted that it takes pleasure in residents flying the Union Flag and St. George’s flags on their very own property, however emphasised highway security dangers when speaking about unauthorised hangings in central Oxford.

The flags had been noticed from Folly Bridge, on St. Aldates and previous the police station to Speedwell Street, close to Oxford Crown Court. They had been additionally seen across the nook and behind Oxford Westgate buying centre. The native authority recommended inserting flags or portray them on or close to highways can “create serious safety hazards”. A spokesperson for the council added that because the climate is darker, windier and wetter these dangers are larger, and it’s subsequently growing the removing of flags. They additionally confirmed that groups have been taking them down as a part of routine upkeep work.

Flags can scale back visibility for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, and improve the danger of distraction, the council instructed GB News.

They added: “In addition, installing flags on street furniture or near roads can lead to personal injury or property damage. For these reasons, we strongly advise people against doing so.”

The spokesperson additionally stated: “With the current darker, windier and wetter weather, these risks are increasing. We are therefore stepping up the removal of flags and other unauthorised items.

“Each case might be assessed primarily based on the extent of threat, with precedence given to those who pose an instantaneous threat.”

Officials’ precedence is to maintain native roads and public areas secure, the county council emphasised.

It comes after a painter and decorator sustained deadly head accidents when he fell from a ladder whereas tying a Union Flag to a lamppost.

Paul John Lumber, 61, had gone out close to his dwelling in Duckmoor Road in Bristol, to erect flags on lampposts after attending a soccer match, an inquest heard.

Avon Coroner’s Court was instructed how neighbours heard a loud bang earlier than discovering Mr Lumber on the bottom, along with his ladder close by, on the night of November 22 final yr.