Peterborough City Council to remove 'tattered' and 'dishevelled' flags in two locations

The council has pledged to remove English and Union Jack flags, hanging from lampposts that have become torn in both the city centre and Stanground.

Flags in particularly bad shape can be seen surrounding the Rivergate roundabout as well as in Whittlesey Road, close to the Lidl in Stanground.

These flags have been reported to the council for being in a poor state of repair after being hung there by residents last summer.

Among those calling for them to be removed was ex-military veteran and current Werrington ward councillor John Fox; who described flying the flag is such a damaged state as an “absolute disgrace.”

He said: “These were put up by people saying they were being patriotic but you don’t treat the national flag that way. That’s totally disrespectful for everything the flag stands for.

"If the people find the money to put them up, they should find the money to replace them. You do not do things like that to the national flag, it is a thing of pride.”

Peterborough City Council has now confirmed that it has removed flags from other areas of the city and intends to do the same in the city centre and Stanground.

Cllr Shabina Qayyum, Leader of Peterborough City Council, said: “As we have said previously, we will only remove flags if they pose a health and safety risk, for example, blocking visibility for motorists, or where they are tattered and dishevelled.

“This remains the case and we can confirm that we have removed dishevelled flags that have been reported to us in Fengate, Werrington and Helpston. We are also planning to remove flags that have been reported to us in Stanground and the city centre shortly.”

Since the flags were not placed there by the council in the first place, the authority will not be replacing the flags.