“In St Helens, we are incredibly proud of the part we have played in our country’s history and heritage. That is reflected in the Union flag that flies proudly at St Helens Town Hall and other council buildings every day.
“Recently, we’ve seen flags appearing on lampposts and painted on street furniture and surfaces. Of course, residents are welcome to fly flags on their own private property or vehicles, as long as they do not pose safety concerns or infringe on others’ property.
“As the local highways authority, our top priority is the safety of all road users—motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians alike. In line with national guidance and consistent with the approach taken by councils across the UK, we are reviewing any roadside decorations with safety in mind. This includes assessing whether items like flags or painted surfaces could obstruct visibility, distract drivers, or create potential hazards.
“We’re sure everyone agrees that safety must come first. No one wants to see a flag come loose from a lamppost and pose a danger to drivers or pedestrians. That’s why any actions we take will be based solely on ensuring public safety—not on the messages or meaning behind these displays.
“To show our shared pride—not only in our country but also in our wonderful borough—we’ve launched a series of official lamppost banners in St Helens town centre as part of our #lovesthelens campaign. These banners proudly feature the Union flag and will soon be appearing in locations across the borough.
“We hope these banners serve as a positive and unifying symbol, celebrating the love we have for the place we live and everything that makes both our country and our community special.”
"We hope these banners serve as a positive and unifying symbol, celebrating the love we have for the place we live and everything that makes both our country and our community special." - Cllr Anthony Burns, Leader of St Helens Council