Flags Raised On Ash Housing Estates Could Be Removed, Says Council Chair

Published on: 1 Sep, 2025
Updated on: 2 Sep, 2025

A flag of St George flies in the breeze during Monday morning’s rain on the Longacre estate

By David Reading

Ash Parish Council could take enforcement action to remove flags that have been raised on lighting columns in some estates in Ash.

Union flags have appeared on lighting columns in numerous areas including Chester Road, Longfield Road and Longacre, and a large flag of St George has been raised in Longfield Road.

Cllr Fiona White, chair of Ash Parish Council, said in a statement on the council website: “We have been told that flags have been attached to some lighting columns belonging to Ash Parish Council.

One of the Union Flags on the Longacre estate that could be removed

“Everyone should be aware that we do not allow anything to be attached to any property owned by Ash Parish Council unless prior consent has been given by the parish council and that nothing can be put up unless by our own council workforce or contractors on our behalf.

“This policy will be enforced by Ash Parish Council by any means legally available to us. This does not prevent residents from putting up flags on their own property subject to any permissions needed under highways or planning legislation.”

In recent weeks a growing number of St George’s and Union Flags have been going up in cities, towns and villages across the UK.

In some areas, groups responsible for putting up the flags have told the BBC they are motivated by pride and patriotism. But other people have been quoted as saying it feels provocative at a time when tensions are running high over the issue of immigration.

A Government guide says all flags must “have the permission of the owner of the site on which they are displayed – this includes the highway authority if the sign is to be placed on highway land”.

The Highways Act 1980 states it is an offence to affix items to structures on the highway without the consent of the highway authority, without reasonable excuse.

Section 132(2) of the act states the highway authority can remove any such items.