Councillor Carolyn Lambert for Seaford South(Image: East Sussex County Council)

She added that she has been approached by numerous concerned locals about the number of flags sprouting on the A259 between Seaford and Newhaven.

She stated, “I’ve been approached by residents who have been attacked and threatened after coming into contact with people hanging these flags on lampposts. “Of course people have a right to put flags up on their own property but they should be clear that putting flags up on Highways property is an offence.”

Cllr Lambert continued, “I have addressed both the Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne and the Leader of the Council regarding harassment and threats suffered by a resident, which I reported to the police, who took no action.

To date, I have not even got an acknowledgement.” The Crime Commissioner’s office confirmed that all letters are recognised and registered on their system, and that it is up to local authorities to grant or refuse permission to display flags.

Cllr Lambert’s position was also supported by Lewes MP James MacCleary, who urged for the flags to be removed.

MP James MacCleary(Image: Houses of Parliament)

He stated, “It is a violation to attach objects to lampposts without permission. It makes no difference whether the small number of individuals who put them up think it’s intimidating. “There is obviously a debate to be held about our country’s destiny, but it must include everyone.

“Having constituents approach me and say they feel frightened coming to the store or taking their children to school is horrible. Nobody should feel excluded in their own community.

“It is time to take these flags down, and I have contacted the county government and local police to find out when they plan to do so.

“If people want to fly our national flags on their own land, they should do so. “Our flag will continue to fly from public buildings, as it always has.

However, exploiting our flag as an instrument of divide is unacceptable. “The flag belongs to all of us, not just a select few looking to make a political point.” This is not the first time there have been issues about flags on the main road.

In August, Councillor Bridget Fishleigh called for the removal of flags from the A259 between Rottingdean and Saltdean.

Flags between Saltdean and Rottingdean in August(Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

Brighton and Hove City Council agreed that these will be removed in accordance with the 1980 Highway Act. However, work had to be temporarily halted due to contractors receiving verbal abuse while removing them.

East Sussex County Council has stated that it will continue to remove flags and is working with local partners to support the community. A council spokesperson said:

“We understand how proud many people are to see our national flags flying over East Sussex. They are frequently flown over council buildings.

“However, the government guidance is clear that flags can only be flown if permission is granted by the site’s owner.

Flying unauthorised flags or painting on road surfaces can make it difficult for people to travel safely on roadways or other modes of transportation. “We are collaborating with our highway contractor to remove illegal flags as fast and safely as feasible.

“Unfortunately, in some cases where we have taken them down, flags have reappeared overnight, and the constant need to remove flags is diverting our crews from scheduled or urgent highway work.”

“We will continue to remove the flags, starting with those that pose a risk to road safety.

“We also realise that the flags make some residents feel nervous or frightened. We are supporting our communities by collaborating with our partners locally and across the county through community safety partnerships.”

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