St George flags stay on Worcestershire lampposts

Officials say flags will remain on lamp posts while roundabouts stay clear, with guidance on safe display

St George flags stay on Worcestershire lampposts

Worcestershire County Council initially told residents that lamp columns on the highway should not have items attached unless the council approves, citing safety, visibility and lighting concerns. On Tuesday the council’s highways lead said the flags would stay on lampposts and urged holders to consider safe alternatives for displaying pride. The cabinet member Karl Perks highlighted options such as front and back gardens, cars, windows and community buildings where the whole community agrees to display the flag, while noting there are no current plans to remove any flags.

The issue has also spread to other towns in the county, with flags appearing in Bromsgrove, Hollywood, Wythall and Worcester. Council leader Joanne Monk stressed pride in English and British identities and said she supports flying national flags across the county while championing sensible public displays.

The decision shows a practical balance between symbolism and safety in local governance. It reflects how councils manage public space when national symbols collide with everyday mobility and street safety. The stance could set a precedent for other counties facing similar questions about where and how to display symbols in shared spaces.

If the authority maintains a consistent rule that prioritizes safe, community-approved displays, it may reduce the risk of confrontations over identity, but it also risks being perceived as selective or inconsistent if different areas adopt divergent approaches. The policy will likely be tested by residents and local groups who view national flags as a civic expression that deserves broad access.

Highlights

The street is a stage for both safety and pride, and the next chapter will show which values win out in practice.