Council Orders Removal Of East Cowes Flags ‘Strictly on Safety Grounds'

“Flags or painted markings” that may be distracting or hazardous to drivers are being removed “strictly on safety grounds”, the Isle of Wight Council has said.

County Hall provided an update after Union Jack flags were raised on lampposts along the length of York Avenue in East Cowes on Monday night (September 22).

An Isle of Wight Council spokesperson said:

“Ensuring the safety of road users remains the Isle of Wight Council’s highest priority.

“As part of this commitment, any flags or painted markings that may pose a distraction or hazard to drivers are being removed strictly on safety grounds.

“In addition, we do not permit unauthorised attachments to street lighting columns or other street furniture.

“Island Roads has been instructed to carry out removals only when it is safe and practical to do so, unless the items present an immediate danger to the public.

“We thank residents for their understanding and cooperation as we continue working to keep our roads safe for everyone.”

Earlier today (September 24), independent East Cowes county councillor Karl Love said the flags “look amazing” but added they had “sadly caused division”.

Cllr Love, who described himself as “deeply patriotic”, said:

“Flags flown in York Avenue look amazing but are not lawfully in place. I once proposed that we had a row of flag poles in York Avenue and would still wish to achieve this at some point.

“It is the purpose of placing these flags as they have been at this time which is a cause of division – far from the purpose of the Union Flag to unite.

"We are all interpreting the placement in different ways.

“These Union Flags have sadly caused division. Even before my awareness of them residents had reported this to Island Roads, councillors and the police, requesting their removal.

“I’m proud of our flag but there are a great many people who feel threatened about the political meanings of them being placed at this time.”

He added that the Union Flag is “about bringing different nations, cultures and all peoples together”.