A Street parish councillor has called for Union Jack banners to be put back on the High Street after their removal drew criticism from residents on social media.

The banners were reportedly removed after some councillors objected to the display, arguing that the Union flag had been hijacked by far-right political groups. Street Parish Council has not confirmed why the banners were taken down and has not yet responded to a request for comment.

Cllr Bryan Knickerbocker wants fellow councillors to reverse the decision and follow what he says was the original banner programme. Under that plan, the banners would have remained on the High Street through the Remembrance period, until the town's Christmas lights and decorations were installed.

In an open letter, he said another councillor had emailed colleagues to say they were "shocked" to see the banners still up and had asked for the matter to be added to the agenda for September's council meeting. Cllr Knickerbocker said the council already owned the banners and had displayed them for years.

"If the concern is that the Union Flag is being hijacked by people with extreme views, then I believe that is precisely why we should not surrender it to them," he wrote.

"In my time on Street Parish Council, I cannot recall another decision where I have felt so strongly that we have got it wrong. I don't say that lightly."

He needs nine other councillors to support a special motion before the council can reconsider its decision.

Cllr Knickerbocker added: "We can celebrate Street's heritage, respect different views, reject racism and extremism, listen to our residents, and still be proud to display our country's flag. Those things should never be mutually exclusive."

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