Oxfordshire County Council has threatened to seek a High Court injunction against the group Raise the Colours after its followers continued to hang flags on lampposts despite a formal legal notice banning the activity.
Legal Notice Issued
The council issued a formal notice on April 1, ordering Raise the Colours to stop placing flags on or near public roads. The action followed reports that members had livestreamed themselves hanging flags, and that locals who criticised or challenged them were subjected to abuse and threatening behaviour.
Continued Activity Triggers Further Action
Despite the ban, flags continued to appear, prompting the council to threaten an injunction. In a live stream last week, co-founder Ryan Bridge was filmed holding an urgent letter from the authority, which he said required legal attention.
Council Statement
A county council spokesman said: "Oxfordshire County Council has issued legal correspondence to individuals in relation to the continued unauthorised placing of flags on or near the public highway. As the highway authority, the council has a legal duty to keep roads and public infrastructure safe. The council has also seen instances of unacceptable behaviour towards employees and contractors carrying out their work and has a responsibility to protect its workforce and the wider public. The letters request that this activity stop and seek assurances that it will not continue. If these are not provided, the council will consider further legal steps, including seeking an injunction from the High Court."
Community Impact Concerns
Coun Liz Leffman, leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said at the end of March: "The scale and persistence of this activity is affecting communities across Oxfordshire. We are proud of our diverse communities in Oxfordshire and of being the first county council to be awarded Local Authority of Sanctuary status. We proudly fly the Union and St George’s flags, which are visible symbols of democracy and unity. However, the widespread installation of flags by Raise the Colours is not a sign of patriotism. It is an act of intimidation and division that is having a real and damaging impact on our communities. Our residents report feeling distressed, unwelcome and unsafe in their own neighbourhoods. Our teams removing the flags, together with residents who have challenged the individuals installing them, have been subject to abuse and threatening behaviour. This is totally unacceptable. The council has a responsibility to act where behaviour undermines community cohesion and the safe and inclusive use of public spaces. That is why we are taking firm action. We won’t hesitate to take further legal steps where necessary to protect residents and support the cohesion of our communities."
