Statement on casual flag flying and highway markings

The council recognises the significance of celebrating our nationwide id, which we do appropriately by flying the St George flag year-round on the council, and celebrating key dates in our proud historical past, like VE Day.

However, we now have heard from a variety of residents, and politicians from totally different political events, that the rise in ‘informal’ flag flying and different symbolism is unwelcome, making some residents really feel intimidated or uncomfortable in sure areas. Some have additionally made clear their expectation that the council ought to take away paint from roundabouts simply as it will take away graffiti. Some have raised issues about security. Others have requested us to not ‘inflame’ the state of affairs by eradicating flags.  As a council we have to keep in mind all these reputable however differing views.

We know that almost all of residents would by no means need to trigger any ill-will or upset of their communities, however we need to be clear that Thurrock Council can’t condone any behaviour that units out to intimidate.

We are a borough that’s richer for its range and our celebration of all of our communities, no matter their background. From the Windrush touchdown right here to the Bata group that drew employees from all around the world, and the protected refuge provided to a number of the victims of the battle in Ukraine and the Srebrenica genocide, historical past reveals Thurrock has all the time been a welcoming place. Any makes an attempt to divide Thurrock will fail.

As a council, our powers are restricted to public areas, and the fee to the general public purse of repairing roundabouts or eradicating flags and graffiti from public locations is excessive. Therefore, we are going to prioritise complaints about issues which might be clearly offensive or pose a direct threat to resident security.

We do, nevertheless, ask anybody contemplating acts of vandalism to recognise that it’s public cash, paid for by way of native taxes, that should pay for any repairs, and take officers away from different necessary highway repairs.

We hope native individuals perceive the council’s must steadiness totally different views, and security and price concerns, as we navigate this troublesome difficulty.