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# Lichfield councillor calls for “tatty and untidy” flags to be removed
- URL: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/lichfield-councillor-calls-for-tatty-and-untidy-flags-to-be-removed/
- Published: 2026-01-29T08:01:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-01-28T12:44:11.000Z
- Description: A Lichfield councillor says it is time to bring down “tatty and untidy” flags from local lampposts.
- Author: Lichfield Live
- Tags: Politics, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-07-22 18:11, News

A LICHFIELD councillor says it is time to bring down “tatty and untidy” flags from local lampposts.

They were initially put up in August 2025 as part of a national movement.

At the time, Staffordshire County Council said they would not be removed provided they met “flag protocol” rules.

Although any “modified” flags were not permitted, a number with slogans written across them have remained in place.

Cllr Paul Ray, Liberal Democrat representative for Chadsmead ward at Lichfield District Council, said it was now time to bring them all down:

> “Residents continue to contact me about the flags that went up on lampposts in our area during the summer. I now want to see these flags removed.  
>  
> “I have no problem with national flags being flown as they are important symbols of national pride. However, I do have concerns about what these do to our community cohesion.  
>  
> “The flags are also now looking tatty and untidy and detract from the positive image and presentation of our area. A number of them are also in breach of planning regulations because they carry political slogans like ‘Unite the Kingdom’.”

Cllr Ray said he had spoken to the county council to seek clarification on the issue.

> “The flags are a matter for Staffordshire County Council because they own and manage the roads and that includes the lampposts. I have spoken to Cllr Matthew Wallens \[Reform UK representative for Lichfield City North\] and have asked that a plan is put in place so that these are taken down, in particular bearing in mind that many other councils have now removed them.  
>  
> “Also the county council has previously issued a statement that flags that have been modified to include a political slogan will be removed.”

Cllr Wallens said he was working with highways teams to “identify and remove” damaged or modified flags.

Cllr Peter Mason, Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for strategic highways, said a number of flags had been earmarked for removal in Lichfield, but some had been left in place due to objections from local residents.

> “We have always said that we are supportive of the flying of the national flag, though where they are on county council property they can only be the flag of St George, the Union flag, the County Standard or the UK military flag, in line with our protocol.  
>  
> “Any modified flag, or those obstructing the highway or causing a safety issue will be removed as resources allow and regarding the cost of doing so to Staffordshire taxpayers.   
>  
> “In, Lichfield several visits have already been made and flags removed. As anticipated, following visits some flags have been replaced.  
>  
> “Currently we are aware of three streets in Lichfield with modified flags still up. Two teams have left these sites without removing the flags due to objections from the local residents. We will continue to remove flags when teams are in the area.”