Somerset Council is spending around £4,500 a day removing flags from lampposts and other highways infrastructure, a senior councillor has revealed.

The cost was confirmed during a meeting of the executive committee in Taunton on Wednesday, 3 December, following a question from resident Eric Ayers.

Highways teams have repeatedly taken down British and English flags across Somerset, with prominent removals along the A39 Bath Road in Bridgwater. The council says attaching flags to public infrastructure without permission is unlawful and poses safety risks.

Councillor Richard Wilkins, portfolio holder for transport and waste services, said: "The cost to the taxpayer is in the region of £4,500 per day for the removal of flags, due to the volume of people and equipment needed to make this a safe activity.

"We would prefer to spend taxpayers' money on other, more vital road maintenance."

He added: "We do not allow any flags to be attached to public property. Attaching any item, including flags, to a light column on highways land without express permission is unlawful under the Highways Act 1980."

The council said it welcomes flag-flying on private property and wants flags to "foster belonging, not division".

Mr Ayers, who was not present at the meeting, had asked whether the removals were carried out in-house or by contractors and if they helped reduce community tensions. A full breakdown of the total cost or contractor involvement was not provided.

Cllr Wilkins, who represents the Curry Rivel and Langport division, said unauthorised flag displays did not necessarily reflect local views and warned they could harm the county's image.

"It is important to remember that many residents do not support these unauthorised public displays," he said. "If we want Somerset to remain a welcoming and vibrant place, then we need to ensure that flags are used to foster belonging, not division."

He also condemned reports of abuse and threats made against staff removing flags. Council leader Cllr Bill Revans, who represents North Petherton, confirmed the matter has been referred to police but declined to comment further.

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