Reform UK council's £75,000 flags project begins

Union jack flags have started being installed on roads across Nottinghamshire as part of a £75,000 county council project.

A total of 164 are planned under the scheme by Reform UK-led Nottinghamshire County Council.

The work has involved fixing brackets and flags to lamp-posts in 82 areas across Rushcliffe, Broxtowe, Bassetlaw, Newark, Mansfield, Ashfield and Gedling.

The Labour mayor of Mansfield and leader of Mansfield District Council Andy Abrahams said he felt the move was "politically motivated" and "divisive".

The BBC approached the authority for comment but it declined to respond.

In a previous interview, county council leader Mick Barton said displaying the flags, which have been described by the authority as banners, had the potential to "strengthen community spirit".

The move was criticised by both Labour and Conservative politicians when it was announced in October.

Abrahams said his concerns were around "the money being spent and the politicisation of the flag".

He added: "I love the flag on special occasions because it comes out to celebrate something.

"But I think these flags are being used as a political tool by Reform.

"It's got to be in the right place and for the right motive. I believe this is politically motivated and it is morally wrong to claim patriotism via a political party.

"I want to draw people together and at the moment I think the flags issue is dividing communities."

He added flags that were erected over the summer which were "dropping and looking tatty" should be taken down.

"Particularly with the English flag, a lot of my residents who are third and fourth-generation feel intimidated and afraid because of what they have been symbolising more recently," Abrahams said.

The St George flag movement gathered pace on social media, with the name Operation Raise the Colours, with those behind it saying they were motivated by pride and patriotism.

Others had expressed discomfort due to tensions running high across England over immigration and the St George cross often being used to promote far-right groups.

Abrahams added he would write to Barton about the decision.

The flags themselves cost about £16,400 in total and the brackets, which will be reused, cost £32,800.

The costs involved in putting up and taking down the banners using a cherry picker and traffic management are about £16,400.

The council has also allowed an additional £10,000 for any maintenance costs.

The move was announced in October when Barton said the banners would also be used for events throughout the year.

"The supports for the banners have been robustly tested and are fit for purpose, hence they will last for many years and represent good value for money. The safety of the public is foremost, and it is something we will not compromise on," he said.

"Displaying the national flag has the potential to strengthen community spirit and cohesion as well as marking significant national events."

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