Basingstoke residents respond to lamppost flag outrage

As previously reported, Sheppard Road, near Cranbourne, was decked out in Union and St George's flags overnight between February 16 and February 17.

Several residents contacted the Gazette to express their concerns about the flags, which were tied to every lamppost between Cliddesden Road and the Viables roundabout, with one resident, Elaine Field, calling it "disturbing and upsetting."

However, more than 1,000 people commented on the Gazette's Facebook page, many of whom were in defence of the flags.

The top comment, from Jen Churcher, which received more than 400 likes, said that it is a great way to celebrate Britain's gold medal in the Winter Olympics: "We’re in England. If you’re offended by our national flag, you might want to ask yourself why.

A flag in Sheppard Road (Image: Newsquest)

"It’s a flag, it shows pride in the country we live, and also shows congratulations to our Olympians for winning so many gold medals."

While the flags had been criticised for being "racist" by one Sheppard Road resident, who asked to remain anonymous, others took to social media to say it is in fact the opposite, and represents everyone who lives in Britain.

Sue Poulter said: "Love them, let’s be proud of our country where genuine working immigrants are welcome and appreciate our way of life and our flag."

Other readers expressed their joy at seeing the national flag and questioned why, if other countries can proudly display theirs, Britain can't.

Jo Eagles said: "I love seeing the British flags everywhere, I also love seeing Spanish ones in Spain, French ones in France, and the Greek flag in Greece and so on."

Lynne Gilluley added: "Our flags shouldn't outrage anyone. Other countries fly their flags throughout their countries, why shouldn't we?"

Bob Ward wrote to the Gazette to say: "We’ve currently been travelling many countries and we are blown over by the number of flags shown everywhere in other countries with Great pride.

"Why in the UK do we only think that showing flags is a negative thing?

"I think the more it is done, the less it could be associated with any small group that is extremist and will gradually bring back the pride of our flag."

The flags in Sheppard Road appear to be the latest instance 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 - a movement that has been seen as divisive.

An England flg flies high in Sheppard Road (Image: Newsquest)

Another reader, Zoey Thomas, said she questions the motivations behind why the flags were put up: "The issue isn’t the flags — most of us respect and value our national symbols. The real question is why they’re being put up, and what’s motivating the campaign behind it.

"Community isn’t built by marking territory or by sending signals about who does and doesn’t belong. It’s built through inclusion, respect, and bringing people together — not by pushing others out."

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."

What do you think of the flags? Let us know in the comments.