Two council workers have been caught on camera cutting down a St George’s flag hanging off an England fan’s balcony the day before the crucial World Cup semi-final against Argentina. The homeowner has reported the two men to police for theft of his England flag, which the council deemed a fire risk.
Doorbell footage shared with Metro shows two men in shorts and high-vis rucksacks arriving at the estate behind King’s Street in Portsmouth on Tuesday morning. One tells the other ‘Yeh, it’s cable-tied’. The second man pulls out a utility knife and cuts the plastic fastenings, while the other rolls the England flag up before they make their way off.
Resident Reports Theft to Police
The resident, who put up the flag to show support for the Three Lions at the beginning of the World Cup, has reported the men to the police for theft. Reform UK Cllr George Madgwick told Metro: ‘I’m unaware if they gave warning however their standard practice is to send a letter with notice. Normally only a failure to comply results in removal and a fee for return. The local residents believe it is theft and have reported it to the police. It was put up for the World Cup just a few weeks ago.’
Calling for common sense, he added: ‘The flag was attached to a steel bar hung over a concrete block. There is no real fire risk. The council need to have pride in our nation and its hopes for the World Cup and should have used their discretion to remove it after. The leader should support the England team and the excitement shared by local residents by instructing officers to be sensible and use their discretion to delay the removal of flags until the conclusion of the tournament. National pride is vital and positivity is needed right now and the removal of national flags sends the wrong negative message.’
Council Defends Fire Safety Policy
Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, told Metro: ‘We understand residents want to show their support for England, and we’re pleased to see the community getting behind the team. However, our fire safety policy, reinforced by Hampshire Fire & Rescue and the Fire Safety Act, requires communal balconies to be kept clear of anything that could catch fire, spread fire, or block safe access. This applies to all items placed on balconies, including flags and banners. We have consulted with Hampshire Fire & Rescue, and they agree with our approach to keeping communal balconies clear in the interests of fire safety. Residents are welcome to display flags inside their homes, such as in a window, where they can still show their support while helping to keep everyone safe.’
Hampshire Police have been approached for comment.
