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Permanent flagpole plan after huge Miner display

Josh SandifordWest Midlands
News imagePA Media An aerial view shows the silver miner statue draped in a large Union Jack flag, its arms outstretched above rows of St George's flags covering the grass. Mature trees partially frame the statue on both sides. Brownhills Community Centre and surrounding roads are visible in the background.PA Media
A large Union Jack was draped over the Miner statue in Brownhills

Walsall Council has proposed installing permanent flagpoles at Brownhills Miner Island, six months after a huge Union Jack display was erected.

Under the plans, all existing flags would be removed and replaced with three 6-metre flagpoles displaying the Union Flag, the St George's Cross and the Black Country Flag, along with smaller flagpoles and street-lighting banners.

The proposals come after Martin Woodhouse draped a large union jack over the 40ft Miner statue in September and flooded the roundabout with St George's flags.

It was part of a wider movement that saw displays appear on public property across the West Midlands and beyond. Many have been met with mixed reviews.

While some see the flags as an expression of patriotism, others have raised concerns about their links to far-right groups.

News imagePA Media An aerial view shows a large roundabout covered in hundreds of St George's flags planted across its grassy centre. A tall silver miner statue draped in a Union Jack stands at the middle of the island with its arms raised. Cars travel around the roundabout with Brownhills Community Centre and residential streets visible beyond. PA Media
St George's flags were placed at Miner Island

When the BBC asked people in Brownhills what they thought about the display in September, some told the BBC they were happy with the display.

The council now says it wants to manage the area in a way that balances patriotism and safety.

"Brownhills has a strong sense of community and pride in its heritage, and it's clear that many residents want to celebrate that," said councillor Adam Hicken, portfolio holder for Enforcement and Safe Communities.

"This proposal creates a managed display that ensures Brownhills can continue to celebrate what makes the town special, while addressing the safety and maintenance concerns that have been raised."

News imagePA Media St George's flags are attached to the tops of black metal lamp posts along a residential street. A yellow parking restriction sign is visible on the nearest post. Rooftops and mature green trees fill the background under an overcast sky. PA Media
St George's flags have also been pictured flying from lamp posts in other places across the region

The council said the plans had been developed with community representatives and ward councillors, and residents would be consulted before the design was finalised.

Mr Woodhouse previously told the BBC his efforts had "brought the town together" and said he had wanted to celebrate the area's "rich history" after feeling it had become "dull and dreary".

But flags have been taken down in other parts of the West Midlands, including in the Birmingham suburbs of Kings Heath and Stirchley, because of claims they are intended to stir up racial divisions.

The council installation is planned to be completed ahead of the Miner Statue's 20th anniversary in May.

Trees along the path below the island will also be cut back to restore views of the landmark.

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