Birmingham City Council has lodged an application with the High Court seeking an injunction against the unauthorised attachment of flags to street furniture and highway infrastructure across the city. The application includes a request for an interim injunction and a power of arrest, according to a council statement.
The legal action targets the attachment of flags without permission, as well as the obstruction of the highway linked to such activity. It also seeks to prevent interference with council officers or contractors carrying out removal work, and to stop behaviour alleged to amount to harassment, alarm or distress towards council staff, contractors, elected members and members of the public.
Safety and disorder concerns cited
The council said unauthorised attachments to street furniture 'can create highway safety risks, obstruct visibility, interfere with highway assets and contribute to tensions and disorder'. The application also references reported incidents involving alleged intimidation, harassment and obstruction connected to the erection and removal of flags.
In March, flags were replaced along Kingstanding Road, hours after they were taken down by the council, according to the report.
Council defends lawful and proportionate approach
Councillor Jane Baston, Cabinet Member for Equalities, Communities and Social Justice, said: “The Council is taking a lawful, proportionate and evidence-led approach to unauthorised attachments on the highway.
“This includes pursuing injunctive action based on the evidence gathered to date.
“Our priority is to protect public safety, staff and contractor welfare, community cohesion and the responsible use of public funds.
“We ask residents and community groups to support this approach and to ensure any displays are placed only where permission exists.”
Court hearing scheduled
The application will be considered by the court at the first hearing of the Interim Injunction Application at 10.30am next Tuesday (September 8). Information relating to the claim, including claim documents and the hearing bundle, can be found online.
