Green councillors are calling on Surrey County Council and the police to take robust action to remove Union and St George flags that were illegally put up along the A23.

The flags appeared on lamp posts between Redhill town centre and East Surrey College, in broad daylight on Tuesday (May 12) afternoon.

Councillor Jonathan Essex, Green councillor for Redhill East, said many residents have already contacted him complaining about the flags, sending him pictures and videos.

“Residents are saying the flags are unacceptable and something needs to be done. One pointed out that the council is quick to remove advertisements and banners hung on street railings without permission, so he can’t understand why they are not so quick to take down flags hung without permission.

Green councillors Nick Abear (Redhill West) and Jonathan Essex (Redhill East) near ‘divisive’ flags illegally put up on lamp posts in London Road, Redhill. They are calling on Surrey County Council to take the flags down. Picture courtesy of East Surrey Green Party

placeholder image — Green councillors Nick Abear (Redhill West) and Jonathan Essex (Redhill East) near ‘divisive’ flags illegally put up on lamp posts in London Road, Redhill. They are calling on Surrey County Council to take the flags down. Picture courtesy of East Surrey Green Party

“Another resident contacted the police as it was actually happening, but no action was taken.”

It is illegal to put anything on street furniture on the public highway without permission.

Green councillors reported to SCC flags that were put up in Horley last autumn and Councillor Essex asked a formal question in February but nothing has been done, despite assurances from the council that the flags would be taken down.

“The council asked for a list of all the flags and where they were, which I provided, but nothing happened. Residents took the flags down in Horley but within days more had gone up.”

Councillor Essex feels the lack of action over the Horley flags – many of which were eventually taken down by residents – has given the impression that hanging illegal flags is acceptable.

“Lack of action by the council has sent the wrong signal. Certain people have been emboldened by what they see as tacit permission in Horley, to expand their activities elsewhere.”

He, together with many residents, have once again asked Highways to remove the flags as soon as possible and to coordinate with police to stop them being put back up.

“When a minority group feels emboldened to take ownership of our public space without permission, it is high time for enforcement of the law to be strengthened.”

Newly-elected Councillor Nick Abear, Green councillor for Redhill West and Meadvale, said: “I am deeply concerned that the purpose behind the flags going up appears to be to create division and send a message that migrants are unwelcome in our communities.

“The timing of these flags going up is just before the latest Tommy Robinson-backed far-right Unite the Kingdom protest this Saturday (May 16). The council must realise that this affects unity within our communities.

“In a sense, flags being used in this way are a symptom of a decade of austerity from the Conservative government, followed by a Labour government unable to deliver change. People have felt the squeeze on their living standards for too long, and it is time for major investment in the economy. But creating division in communities is not the way to express their disillusionment.

“We respect the flag as a symbol of our nation but it should be inclusive, not used to create division or lead to parts of our community feeling unwelcome, intimidated and threatened.”