Criticism as Reform-led council set to spend £75,000 on new flags

Reform-led Nottinghamshire County Council is to spend £75,000 installing new flags.

More than 150 union jack flags will be displayed in 82 locations in Rushcliffe, Broxtowe, Bassetlaw, Newark, Mansfield, Ashfield and Gedling.

Council leader Mick Barton said displaying the flags had the potential to “strengthen community spirit”.

But some Labour politicians in Nottinghamshire have expressed shock at the move, adding taxpayers would be “appalled”.

The decision does not have to be voted on, but councillors have five days to object to the plan to make possible changes to it.

Initially, 164 union jack flags will be displayed at a cost of about £457 per flag including brackets, traffic management and cherry pickers.

“Thereafter, they will be used to support other forthcoming events like Armistice Day, Christmas and Easter events,” Barton said.

“The supports for the banners have been robustly tested and are fit for purpose, hence they will last for many years and represent good value for money. The safety of the public is foremost, and it is something we will not compromise on.

“Displaying the national flag has the potential to strengthen community spirit and cohesion as well as marking significant national events.”

Councillor Sam Smith, Conservative leader of the opposition on the council, said: “I love driving round Nottinghamshire and seeing flags flying on lamp-posts.

“Residents across the county and the country have been putting them up themselves and that’s fantastic.

“To spend £75,000 of taxpayers’ money on putting flags up seems a bit ridiculous to me. That should be spent on services.”

Labour MP for Mansfield, Steve Yemm, added: “When my constituents – right across Mansfield – are contacting me about the poor state of our local roads and potholes – I am amazed that the Reform-led county council is spending our council tax in this way.

“My constituents will be appalled.”

Meanwhile Labour councillor Helen Faccio, who represents Toton, Chilwell and Attenborough, said she was “shocked but not surprised” by the news.

Faccio said: “We heard when Reform came to power, that they would make council services more efficient and cut wasteful spending.

“Then we hear about huge spending on flags. My residents would say we should spend money filling potholes or investing in youth clubs.

“At the moment, flags are being used to divide us and that is not good for our community.”

The authority said lamp-posts had been reviewed to ensure they were safe before the flags were put up.

The flag movement gathered pace on social media this summer, with those behind it saying they were motivated by pride and patriotism.

Others expressed discomfort due to tensions running high across England over immigration and the St George cross often being used to promote far-right groups.