Basingstoke resident anger at flags attached to lampposts

Sheppard Road, near Cranbourne, was the latest recipient of the viral movement known as Operation: Raise The Colours, in which groups in the UK have displayed St George's and Union Flags in public places, usually tied to lampposts.

Every lamppost in Sheppard Road, from the Viables roundabout, all the way to Cliddesden Road, had a flag tied to it overnight between February 16 and February 17.

A St George's Flag flying in Sheppard Road (Image: Newsquest)

Several residents of Sheppard Road and beyond contacted the Gazette to express their feelings towards the newly-flagged Sheppard Road, with one, who wished to remain anonymous, saying: "We've been flagged overnight. I view it as graffiti; it just looks rubbish to me.

"Personally, I find it offensive, and I find it racist. In 60-plus years of living here, I've never seen anything like it."

Another resident, Elaine Field, wrote to the Gazette and said: "To me, this is not an innocent act of patriotism, but rather a deliberate political statement made by individuals who likely do not even live in our community.

"The manner and scale in which the flags have been displayed is both disturbing and upsetting. If this was an innocent act of patriotism, why do it at night in the dark, putting the safety of themselves and others at risk?

Flags flying in the street (Image: Newsquest)

"As a parent of an eight-year-old child, I have had to explain why this action feels unkind and divisive, and what it may represent.

"It is deeply upsetting to have to have that conversation about our own street. No parent should have to reassure their child that they are safe in their own neighbourhood."

Lib Dem Ward Councillor for Eastrop and Grove, Ronald Hussey, told the Gazette that he received eight complaints in the morning of February 17.

"I received a ton of emails which ranged from politely disappointed to outraged."

A Union Flag attached to a lamppost (Image: Newsquest)

He explained that although he cannot be sure of the reason for the appearance of the flgs overnight, he does not believe that they were put up for patriotic reasons, rather "a deeper, darker meaning."

He said: "It creates a feeling of divisiveness in some people's minds" and questioned: "If it was patriotism, why do it overnight?"

Responsibility for any flags attached to street lighting columns rests with the highways authority, meaning it is for Hampshire County Council to decide whether they are removed or allowed to remain.

Previously, the leader of HCC, Cllr Adams-King, said that as far as the council is concerned: "If a flag is dangerous or obstructive, covering road signs or blocking junction views, we'll remove it".

He added: "If it's safe and not causing issues, it stays."