Didcot MP those putting flags up should pay for removal

This follows a Reform councillor calling the removal of Union and St George’s cross flags a “waste of money” after they were replaced on Station Road, Didcot, less than a week after being taken down.

Olly Glover MP described mounting frustration about the situation around Didcot Parkway as he rebutted the claim.

Mr Glover said: “It is great to see our national flags flying from authorised sites such as public buildings and flag poles, and many local households and businesses proudly flew the flag for St George’s Day to celebrate our shared culture and values.

“However, I have recently had flurry of correspondence from people frustrated that despite the best efforts of council and GWR contractors to remove flags from around Didcot station, that the flags have been replaced.  

“It is right that councils take down flags attached illegally to public property without council permission and take legal action against those responsible.

“It is not a ‘waste of money’ to enforce the law.

“The cost of removing flags, or anything else, attached to public property without permission, should be paid for by those responsible for putting them up – not the tax payer”

When flags were replaced on Station Road last week by a Raise the Colours group, more were added in other locations, including Saxton Road in Abingdon, and in Shillingford, Benson and Brightwell-cum-Sotwell.

The movement says it is placing flags around the county in the name of patriotism, but it has attracted criticism with allegations of intimidation and threatening behaviour from some members towards the public and council staff.

Last month, the county council issued a formal legal notice to Raise the Colours Oxfordshire in a bid to prevent it from putting up more flags.

Didcot South county councillor Hao Do (Reform) said the legal notice was “ludicrous”.

County councillor for Didcot South Hao Do (Image: Oxfordshire County Council)

He added: “These are not prohibited flags and it’s a waste of money for the council to take them down – they should be left in place – these are our national flags – they are not offensive.”

A spokesperson for Raise the Colours Oxfordshire said: “Raise the Colours Oxfordshire are a part of a wider nationwide movement that wishes to peacefully raise the concerns of the British people who are increasingly made to feel like second class citizens in their own country.

“Our aims are to highlight their concerns, whilst spreading joy and unity through the flags of our nation.”

Previously, a county council spokesman said the local authority was aware of the flags in Didcot, Benson, Shillingford and Abingdon.

They stated: “In March we issued a formal legal notice to Raise the Colours requiring them to stop placing flags on or near highways without consent.

“We are considering all available options to prevent further unauthorised action, which will include, but not limited to, civil and criminal proceedings.”

What do you think about the raising and removal of Union and St George’s cross flags in communities across Oxfordshire?