Flying the flag with pride and safety

27 August 2025

West Northamptonshire Council has issued safety advice to support residents who are keen to proudly fly patriotic flags within their communities.

People have been showing their sense of national pride this summer by flying the union and St George’s flags around the country, including across West Northamptonshire.

With the topic raising debate both nationally and locally, WNC has now moved to clarify the safety and legal rules around flying flags in public to ensure residents don’t put themselves at risk.
 

“It’s great to see residents having such a sense of national pride and expressing this by flying the union and St George’s flags, particularly with West Northants hosting the Women’s Rugby World Cup and the Red Roses due to play at Franklins Gardens this weekend.

“I fully encourage people to proudly fly flags on their own homes and property safely but I would urge them not to attempt anything dangerous like putting them up on street furniture or road signs. Not only does this put their own safety at great risk, but also that of motorists if the flags distract them or block their view. There are many other places away from the public highway where flags can be flown so let’s do so and celebrate our country safely.”Cllr Mark Arnull, Leader of West Northamptonshire Council

“Lampposts are not designed to take the weight of a ladder or person climbing up and we are concerned that someone will be seriously hurt as a result of these actions, not to mention the very real risk of electrocution. For these very reasons it was made an offence under the Highways Act 1980 to fix items to lampposts without the consent of the highways authority and this remains the case today.”Stuart Timmiss, WNC’s Executive Director of Place

Communities across West Northamptonshire are regularly encouraged to fly flags on their homes to celebrate key national events and activities, most recently for the 80th anniversary of VJ Day and throughout this summer as the area hosts the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.