UNION flags have started to be removed in Minehead - but not because of any backlash to the social media-driven campaign ‘Operation Raise the Colours’.

However, Minehead Town Council warned: “Any flags put up without permission on town council-owned land, buildings, or spaces we maintain will be removed by our staff.”

It said public roads fell under Somerset Council’s responsibility and any flags or markings on highways should be be reported directly through the unitary authority’s website.

The cross of St George and Union flags have appeared on lampposts and elsewhere in communities across West Somerset in recent weeks, including on the harbourside in Watchet.

Many of the Minehead flags pre-dated the campaign and were put up by the town council as part of a summer of events, including commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day, and red, white, and blue floral displays were also commissioned.

These Union flags in The Parade, Minehead, were put up by the town council as part of a summer of events.
These Union flags in The Parade, Minehead, were put up by the town council as part of a summer of events. (MTC)

Town clerk Ben Parker said: “This summer has been a truly glorious one for our town.

“We were proud to join the nation in celebrating VE Day 80, filling our streets with vibrant Union flags and spectacular red, white, and blue floral displays that brought colour, pride, and community spirit to our town.

“With the seasons changing and Christmas on the horizon, our staff will shortly begin taking down the town council’s summer flags, starting with the centre islands along The Parade.

“After a wonderful summer of celebration, some of these flags have become a little weathered, so this is the perfect time for their removal as part of our usual seasonal changeover, keeping our town looking fresh and ready for the autumn and festive decorations to come.

“We want to reassure everybody, this is not unpatriotic.

“It is simply a standard procedure to keep our town looking its best all year round.

“If you see our staff removing flags, please remember they are just doing their job as part of this planned transition and the same team will soon be hard at work bringing festive cheer to our streets.

“We are also aware some residents have chosen to raise additional Union flags around town.

“While we understand the sense of pride that inspires this, it is important to make a clear distinction.

“Together, let us continue to celebrate our heritage and pride, safely, respectfully, and with the same vibrant community spirit that makes our town so special.”

These Union flags in Seaward Way, Minehead, were put up as part of the 'Raise the Colours' campaign.
These Union flags in Seaward Way, Minehead, were put up as part of the 'Raise the Colours' campaign. (Contributed)

Mr Parker said the council wanted to make next summer’s displays even more spectacular and anybody wanting to help should email [email protected] or call 01643 707213.

He said: “We warmly invite you to get involved.

“Our decorations are powered by community spirit and we are always looking for new volunteers and fresh ideas.

“Together, let us continue to celebrate our heritage and pride, safely, respectfully, and with the same vibrant community spirit that makes our town so special.”

Somerset Council has appealed for people not to use or deface public property without permission and said it would remove flags from lampposts as part of its regular maintenance work.

A spokesperson said: “We understand some residents may want to show a feeling of national pride and they are welcome to do so.

Motorists arriving in Minehead via the A39 Ellicombe roundabout are being greeted by 'Raise the Colours' St George Cross flags flying from lampposts.
Motorists arriving in Minehead via the A39 Ellicombe roundabout are being greeted by 'Raise the Colours' St George Cross flags flying from lampposts. (Contributed)

“However, people should not paint public property without permission.

“This is particularly important on areas around the public highway, where flags or paint could obscure markings and pose a safety risk to road users.

“Removal has to be paid for from the public purse.

“We would ask people not to put flags or paint symbols on public roads or roundabouts.

“Defacing road markings in any form is an offence under the Highways Act 1980.

“It can affect visibility, distract drivers, and increase the risk of accidents for both road users and pedestrians.”

Reaction on social media to ‘Operation Raise the Colours’ has seen a sometimes bitter divide of opinion between those supporting the patriotism behind the movement and others who believe it is a cover for racist views.