A large number of flags were put up in Canoe Lake park on the same day as a racially aggravated assault which is being investigated by the police.
Police have said the suspects were carrying flags and subsequently the council has received complaints specifically about the flags in Canoe Lake.
We understand and respect the desire of some residents to display national pride or remembrance through flags and as a council, our buildings that have flagpoles proudly fly the Union Flag.
The incident at Canoe Lake is very specific and therefore we have decided to remove the flags from this location. We can’t ignore any activity that could be deemed to be condoning racist behaviour in our city.
We will continue to take a measured approach to flags in other areas.
Unauthorised St George’s Cross paintings were painted on Portsmouth Guildhall and this has caused damage to the Grade II listed building. Damage like this is upsetting, unlawful and costly to repair.
Additionally, symbols have been painted on roads and roundabouts, which do not comply with national road marking standards which the council has a legal duty to uphold, therefore, any non-standard road markings will be removed to keep road markings compliant.
Flags and any other items attached to lamp posts or any other council property will be reviewed in line with our normal processes and removed in due course, unless they pose a hazard, in which case they will be removed as soon as possible. If residents are concerned about a flag they should report it via our online form.
Residents are free to hang flags responsibly on their own property.