A parish council in Cambridgeshire has made the controversial decision to cancel a substantial contract with a long-serving tree surgeon after he embarked on a personal campaign to adorn local lampposts with patriotic symbols.
The Flag Dispute That Cost a Contract
Billy Crotty, who had worked with Steeple Morden Parish Council for over ten years, saw his £9,000 contract to remove conifers withdrawn following his decision to erect approximately 300 Union flags and St George's crosses along the A1198 near Royston. Mr Crotty stated his actions were intended to 'make a stand for our country' and demonstrate that he was 'proud to be English'.
The flags appeared as part of the broader 'Operation Raise the Colours' campaign, which has encouraged displays of national flags across the UK. Mr Crotty admitted his protest was partly directed against 'illegal immigration', though he insisted he never aimed to 'intimidate anyone' despite acknowledging some might find the flags 'hateful'.
Council's Stance and Contractor's Rebuttal
In response, the council defended its position. Nick Badger, chairman of Steeple Morden Parish Council, explained to the BBC that the council felt it was 'necessary to withdraw the contract' to maintain its status as a 'non-political organisation' and remain neutral, especially given the 'intense press interest' at the time.
Mr Crotty strongly criticised this decision, arguing that the council had done 'the exact opposite' of remaining neutral by making a political judgement on 'something that I've done which is not illegal'. He told the BBC, 'What my personal opinions are and actions that I've done as an individual shouldn't have any bearings on my tree company.' He described the cancellation as a 'substantial amount of money' that has personally 'cost' his family, and labelled the council's move as 'virtue-signalling'.
Escalation and Wider Context
The situation escalated when Cambridgeshire County Council workers removed more than 100 of the flags in September after some residents reported feeling 'a little bit panicky' by their presence. Mr Crotty documented a confrontation with council workers in a Facebook video, which he described as an almost 'Gestapo-like operation', where he unsuccessfully demanded the return of the flags.
This case highlights the delicate balance local authorities must strike between perceived political neutrality and the personal expression of contractors. While the council asserts its commitment to neutrality, Mr Crotty believes his professional work and personal activism should be treated as separate matters, a dispute that has now resulted in a significant financial loss for his business.
