"Flaggate Fiasco: Kent Council Demands Union Flags Be Removed Before Christmas Lights Can Go Up"
A Reform-led council has sparked outrage after ruling that union and St George's flags must be taken down from street lights in a village so traditional Christmas lights can go ahead. The decision, described as "beyond ironic," has left residents reeling.
The flags in question are on the A20, which runs through the village of Harrietsham, and were reportedly put up by individuals without permission from Kent county council. However, this was not a new development - in August, highways teams reported that St George's flags would only be removed if they posed a safety risk.
Kent council's cabinet member for highways and transport said that contractors hired to install Christmas lights can remove any obstructing flags as part of the same job, with no additional significant expense expected. But local councillors have taken issue with this stance, arguing that removing the flags is not within the contractor's remit.
The situation has been likened to "flaggate," a term used to describe the controversy surrounding the union flag in Northern Ireland. Stuart Jeffrey, a Green councillor for Maidstone borough council, described the situation as "beyond ironic" and argued that the A20 was "lined either side with these flags." Alister Brady, a Labour Kent county councillor, condemned the display of flags on lamp-posts, calling it "a disgraceful use of our flag."
Kent county council's new leader, Linden Kemkaran, had previously vowed to protect community identities, including the union jack and St George's flag. However, the decision to remove the flags has sparked a heated debate about safety concerns and local autonomy.
The parish council, which is responsible for Harrietsham, has appealed to those who put up the flags to take them down, citing safety concerns and potential financial costs. The situation has left many residents feeling frustrated and divided, with some calling on Kent county council to step in and resolve the issue.
In a bid to bring closure to the controversy, Harrietsham parish council is urging individuals who installed the flags to remove them before Christmas lights can be installed. However, it remains unclear whether this will happen, with tensions still running high between locals and authorities.
A Reform-led council has sparked outrage after ruling that union and St George's flags must be taken down from street lights in a village so traditional Christmas lights can go ahead. The decision, described as "beyond ironic," has left residents reeling.
The flags in question are on the A20, which runs through the village of Harrietsham, and were reportedly put up by individuals without permission from Kent county council. However, this was not a new development - in August, highways teams reported that St George's flags would only be removed if they posed a safety risk.
Kent council's cabinet member for highways and transport said that contractors hired to install Christmas lights can remove any obstructing flags as part of the same job, with no additional significant expense expected. But local councillors have taken issue with this stance, arguing that removing the flags is not within the contractor's remit.
The situation has been likened to "flaggate," a term used to describe the controversy surrounding the union flag in Northern Ireland. Stuart Jeffrey, a Green councillor for Maidstone borough council, described the situation as "beyond ironic" and argued that the A20 was "lined either side with these flags." Alister Brady, a Labour Kent county councillor, condemned the display of flags on lamp-posts, calling it "a disgraceful use of our flag."
Kent county council's new leader, Linden Kemkaran, had previously vowed to protect community identities, including the union jack and St George's flag. However, the decision to remove the flags has sparked a heated debate about safety concerns and local autonomy.
The parish council, which is responsible for Harrietsham, has appealed to those who put up the flags to take them down, citing safety concerns and potential financial costs. The situation has left many residents feeling frustrated and divided, with some calling on Kent county council to step in and resolve the issue.
In a bid to bring closure to the controversy, Harrietsham parish council is urging individuals who installed the flags to remove them before Christmas lights can be installed. However, it remains unclear whether this will happen, with tensions still running high between locals and authorities.
. The whole thing seems like a big power struggle between local residents and council officials. Newsflash: it's Christmas time! Let people enjoy their traditions without being told what to do by bureaucrats. And another thing, if people want to display their flags or decorations, that's their prerogative. It's not hurting anyone else, so why can't they just leave them up? 
The whole situation is just a big mess and I'm glad someone's standing up for local autonomy.
I mean, what's next? They're gonna tell us what colour socks we should wear on holidays too? It's like they're trying to suck the life out of Christmas spirit in that village. Can't they just let people enjoy their holiday traditions without making a big fuss? And btw, what's with all these rules and regulations? Can't they just use common sense? 
I mean, it's not like those flags are gonna fly away and knock over the Christmas lights or anything. It's just flags on lamp posts, for Pete's sake! 
. I mean, come on, people, chill out! 
They can just leave them up or take them down, no need for all this drama 
. And what's with the 'safety concerns' excuse? Are those flag-waving residents really going to cause a hazard? 
I don't think so! 
It's just a bunch of flags on lamp posts, not a safety nightmare 
. Can we please just focus on getting some festive lights up and enjoying Christmas already? 
in Kent is just a big mess! I mean, who gets to decide what flags go on streetlights, anyway? It's like they're trying to control everything. And what's with the safety concerns? Can't people just put up their own little flags and be done with it? 
It's not like they're causing any harm or obstructing traffic. The council is basically being super overprotective and trying to impose their will on the community. Can't we just chill and agree to disagree? 
I mean, I get that safety is a concern, but removing all the flags because some people didn't ask permission seems extreme. 