Croydon Council, where failed Mayor Jason Perry has claimed there is “zero tolerance” for fly-tippers and, by extension, fly-posters, has failed to take any action against the various flags hoisted without permission on some of the borough’s streets.
Half-staff: the raising of the flags has been half-cock and half-arsed
Yet neighbouring authority Surrey County Council has started to remove the offending items from its roads in and around Caterham, all the way up to the borough boundary at Coulsdon Common.
They have even expressed “concern” about the outbreak of flag-shagging in their area, with many of the flags paid for or supplied through a far-right “Raise the Colours” campaign, and say that Surrey Police are on the case.
An official from Tandridge District Council in Surrey, which includes Caterham, has confirmed that while Perry’s council dithers – with some of the Tory Mayor’s councillor colleagues appearing to welcome the appearance of the flags in New Addington – they are working with the county council to act.
“Surrey County Council is responsible for lampposts and street furniture within our boundary,” the Tandridge officer wrote this week.
“Its teams regularly inspect highways around the county and remove any unauthorised, unsafe items or paint…
“Surrey Highways are aware of St George cross markings being painted on the highway at various locations. They are arranging for the affected road markings to be reinstated to their original purpose, in line with their inspection and response protocols.
Zero action: Mayor Jason Perry
“Where they identify unlicensed attachments to lamp columns in Surrey, these will be removed as part of their routine inspection and maintenance activities.
“Items attached to street lighting columns must be approved by Surrey County Council to ensure public safety and protect highway infrastructure. This includes ensuring the column can safely support the attachment and that lighting equipment is not compromised.”
And they added: “We share your concerns about the potential impact of these flags on the community, the type of message they may send and any beliefs they may be associated with.
“We are monitoring this and making sure Surrey County Council is also aware. We know Surrey Police is also monitoring the situation.”
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Read more: Tory councillor welcomes New Addington flags as ‘great’
Read more: Council refuses to remove England flags from Coulsdon Road
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