Cllr Daniel Cowan, Leader of Southend-on-Sea City Council has made the following statement regarding the use of flags in public spaces.
Cllr Daniel Cowan, Leader of Southend-on-Sea City Council has made the following statement regarding the use of flags in public and private spaces.
“Under this Administration, the focus for Southend is building civic pride. We are proud of our city, and we are proud of our country.
“We encourage national and local pride. Whether it's supporting our sporting heroes, showing our solidarity with our armed forces, or promoting buying British produce and goods, we can show pride in our country by flying our flags.
“But we do not condone people putting themselves at risk to place flags, damaging or defacing property, as has happened in some places in the country.
“We are also working on how to improve our own use of flags at the council and other civic pride decorations.
“We've always said that we are building a city to be proud of, that takes time, but we know we can do it together.”
Notes to Editors:
- In relation to recent queries, the Council's current position is that flags of any kind will only be removed by the Council from public places where they either cause an obstruction, or when they fall into poor condition (eg if they become tatty over time).
- The Council does not have the powers to remove flags from private property unless they are being flown in contravention of Planning or other legislation for which we are the enforcement authority eg Highway safety.