Street council reverses Union Flag banner decision after row

By Laura Linham 7th Oct 2026

Local News by Laura Linham 2 minutes ago

Union Flag banners will return to Street High Street for Remembrance after parish councillors reversed their earlier decision following criticism from residents.

Street Parish Council agreed the change at an extraordinary meeting on Tuesday, 6 October. The flags will replace the current banners and remain through the Remembrance Parade until the festive lights are installed, due by mid-November.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the council acknowledged the strength of feeling over their removal.

"The Council regrets that the changes caused upset and division within the community," it said.

The decision follows calls from Cllr Bryan Knickerbocker to bring the banners back. He had urged colleagues to reconsider and keep them on display through Remembrance until the Christmas decorations went up.

The removal prompted a dispute over why the banners had been taken down and whether the Union Flag's use by far-right groups should affect its display.

In his earlier open letter, Cllr Knickerbocker argued: "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."

The council's latest statement does not give a reason for the original removal. It says councillors listened to residents and considered the views expressed before agreeing to restore the banners.

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It also draws a distinction between previous displays and the new arrangement for Remembrance.

According to the council, Street High Street has historically marked Remembrance with poppies. Although the Union Flag banners are among several sets it owns and has used over many years, it says they have not traditionally been displayed for the Battle of Britain or the Remembrance Parade.

The dispute has also prompted plans for a formal Banner and Flag Policy. The council acknowledged that it currently has no policy governing the sequence and placement of displays and said greater clarity was needed.

A clearer annual programme will be developed, taking account of local heritage and national commemorations.

The council said: "The Council has listened and respects the strength of feeling expressed. It hopes this decision will help the community come together positively during the Remembrance period. The Council remains committed to representing the whole community and to making decisions through an open and democratic process."