FLAGS put up without authorisation across Lichfield and Burntwood should be taken down, the local branch of the Green Party has said.
A number were put up on lampposts last year as part of a wider national movement.
Although some have since fallen down, a number remain alongside roads across the district.
But Green Party representatives now say the time has come to bring down any put up without permission.
They said the issue was not about freedom of expression, but instead about ensuring public spaces are “governed fairly, lawfully, and with proper community oversight”.
Local Green Party activist Peter Phizacklea said:
“The removal of these flags is long overdue.
“Many of them are tattered, flying at half mast and defaced with partisan political slogans.
“There is absolutely nothing wrong with proudly flying our national flag when it is done correctly and appropriately – cable tying these cheap plastic knock-offs to street furniture for entirely disingenuous reasons is simply divisive troublemaking and, at the very least, littering.”
The party says it has raised concerns that the flags have been erected without appropriate consultation or authorisation, potentially breaching local regulations governing signage and displays on public land and highwaysinfrastructure.
The Greens are now urging Lichfield District Council and relevant authorities to investigate and take enforcement action where necessary.
The party also called for greater transparency around who authorised the displays, whether permissions were sought and what processes were followed.
Green Party parish councillor Jayne Shardlow added:
“Putting the flag up on your own property is fine, but rules around public displays exist for good reason – to protect safety, visual amenity and fairness.
“Selective enforcement undermines public confidence. If permissions have not been granted, the flags should be removed.
“These flags have nothing to do with patriotism. These so-called ‘patriots’ are putting up the flags to create division in our communities.”
