Durham County Council have given an update on the displaying of flags.

Durham County Council has released a statement across social media, giving their opinion on the increase of St George and Union flags that have been appearing across the county.

The statement was posted across Durham County Councils social media channels earlier this morning (Friday 29th August). 

The full statement reads as follows: 

"We have noted a recent increase in the display of flags – particularly the St George’s Cross and the Union Flag – on street lighting columns across the county, as well as other displays such as painting of additional markings on the road surface including roundabouts and zebra crossings.

While we understand and respect the community’s desire to express national pride, celebration, or remembrance, it is important to ensure such expressions do not compromise public safety.

A risk-based approach is being applied to this practice. While we are aware of some flags being taken down by third parties, we will initially only remove flags and decorations where they: pose a danger to highway users; obstruct visibility for drivers or pedestrians; or are poorly secured or loose, increasing the risk of falling.

Yesterday we were left with no choice but to remove bunting across a road at New Brancepeth, following a risk assessment. The rope involved was so strong that, had a high-sided vehicle driven into it, the poles it was attached to could have been pulled down.

Our approach reflects our commitment to balancing community expression with public safety, practical resource management, and proportionality in our operations.

We also want to highlight the significant safety risks involved in the installation of flags on lighting columns. The use of ladders against these structures imposes additional loads beyond their designed capacity. The weight of a person climbing or working on a column can lead to structural failure, endangering both the installer and the public.

Our priority remains ensuring the safety and integrity of the highway network, while being mindful of, and responsive to, the communities we serve. We encourage residents to consider safer and more appropriate locations for flags or other displays that do not involve highway infrastructure and conform to all appropriate standards and regulations."