Council Seek To Put The Record Straight

Tuesday, 9 September 2025 11:04

By Andy Bolton

Blackpool Council issue a statement regarding their stance on flags.

Last week, a news article was posted about the council ‘ordering’ flags to be removed from lampposts.

The article was incorrect.

The Community Lighting Partnership, who Eon work for, manage and are responsible for our streetlights and traffic signals. They remove anything unauthorised from lampposts, so they don’t damage the columns, or pose a safety risk to people if they come loose.

Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “We always fly the Union flag on Blackpool Town Hall and are proud to do so. We do it on top of The Blackpool Tower too, when the weather allows. We maintain our flags and replace them when needed.

“This month, Union flag bunting has also been throughout the Houndshill Shopping Centre to commemorate VJ Day.

“It is important to ensure that flags are flown to show pride in our town and country.

"Our flag is a symbol of our civic pride and unity and should not be part of vandalism or graffiti.

"It's also important that the Union flag is not being used in a way to intimidate others.

“We should not be a community at odds with each other, but should work together with one goal – to make Blackpool a better place for everybody who lives here.

"We are removing graffiti on roads. This is because it is vital that road markings are clear and safe, and are done with paint appropriate for the highway. "

People are welcome to fly the union flag on their property, providing they are kept in safe condition and do not contain advertising.

For more details on how to safely fly flags, the Government has provided guidance: https://www.gov.uk/.../flying-flags-a-plain-english-guide