The council’s warning comes after the England flag has appeared in several locations around Greater Manchester, including on a roundabout in Fitton Hill in Oldham
Oldham Council has issued a stern warning to residents against daubing the St George’s flag on public property.
The alert follows the appearance of the symbol in numerous spots across Greater Manchester, including on a roundabout in Fitton Hill in Oldham. Three roundabouts in Trafford and road junctions in Sale were also altered with a red cross to mirror the flag.
Oldham Council has cautioned against graffiti throughout the borough, particularly on road markings where they could create hazards for motorists and pedestrians. A spokesperson said: “We have had reports of flags being painted on some of our buildings and roads. As a council, we are proud to fly the Union flag every day, and we of course support free expression – including the flying of flags from private homes and businesses.
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“However, painting flags over public property is illegal. Marking roads and roundabouts like this is a criminal offence under Section 132 of the Highways Act 1980, which requires them to be removed due to safety and legal requirements, reports the Manchester Evening News.
“It costs public money to repair the damage, which could be better spent on vital services. It also presents a safety issue on roundabouts, which have strict guidance on how they should look. It is important that we honour the Union and St George’s flags and fly them properly – spraying them on the ground does not do them justice.”
The individuals behind the painting of St George’s flags across various parts of the country have stated their actions were driven by ‘pride and patriotism’.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, speaking on BBC Radio last week, suggested that those painting the crosses might be “seeking confrontation” He said: “You can obviously display a flag if that’s your choice but I don’t know, I do wonder about the times we’re living in.
“If people want to display it, fine on their own property, but I don’t think you’ve got the right to go out and paint public property. “.