England flags and Union Jacks have been pulled down from lamp posts in some parts of Stockport.

They have been ever-present in the borough and around Greater Manchester since a national movement known as 'operation raise the colours' last year.

It was said by some that the flags were a sign of national pride, while others called for them to come down with fears over community tensions.

But in many parts of Stockport where flags were once raised, such as Higher Hillgate just outside the town centre, the lamp posts have been cleared.

Stockport Council has issued a statement about the situation.

The town hall confirmed its position on flags in public places has not changed since last year, when it said the flags would stay up unless they become a safety risk or have slogans written on them.

A council spokesperson added: "A very small number of flags have recently been removed in line with our approach."

One Stockport councillor, speaking after a public meeting, said a 'fed up' group of residents decided to take the flags down themselves.

advertisement

The issue has been a hot topic at the council for months, with some Stockport councillors making public calls for the flags to come down.

Labour Councillor Claire Vibert spoke about the issue during a town-hall meeting on January 15.

It came after social housing landlord Stockport Homes said in November that there had been an increase in 'racial incidents' reported since the flags went up.

Cllr Vibert said at the council meeting in January: "It's my view that the continued presence of flags across Stockport is directly contributing to a sense of division, and I believe it's emboldening those who want to act on their prejudice."

Her Labour Party colleague, Councillor Jon Byrne added at the time: "I believe that when we all stand together for values I know and I'm confident we all hold, we do not allow a vacuum for those views which go against our moderate and tolerant society to grow.

"In that vein, I want to once again align myself with the comments of Councillor Vibert, she does not stand alone on this issue."

Stockport council leader Mark Roberts said in October: "We know some residents have chosen to display flags in the public realm. Our national flag is proudly flown at the town hall, where it represents us all.

~

advertisement

Free from clickbait, Stockport Nub News is a quality online newspaper for our town.

To get our top stories in your inbox each week, subscribe to our free weekly newsletter HERE.

Please consider following Stockport Nub News on Facebook or X

"As long as flags do not pose a safety risk or have slogans written over them, they will remain in place for now.

"As lampposts are not designed for this purpose and removal costs fall to the council, if residents wish to display a flag we encourage them to do so at their own homes.

"It is also likely that flags will need to be removed in the future if they become damaged or worn out."