IN the wake of the significant rise in the display of 'flags' supporting English and British nationalities that has swept the county – and been prevalent in some areas of Thurrock, the local council has issued a statement – and offered guidance to councillors about how they should tackle the issue.

In the past week, Aveley, North Stifford and East Tilbury have been among areas where communities have worked together to raise place flags, predominantly the Cross of St George – England's national flag – on street signage, lampposts and outside their house.

The flags have been placed on local bridges and by the side of roads and many new flagpoles have sprung up outside buildings.

It is a move that echoes wide public concern that has been fuelled by the rise in illegal immigration, delays in dealing with refugee processes and activities surrounding a number of hotels and hostels that house immigrants.

There have also been an increasing number of pro – and anti – nationalistic rallies across the country – some that have ended in clashes, violence and arrests.

In Thurrock it's undoubtedly an area of public interest where actual participation is growing from what might often be classed as the more apathetic demographic of middle England.

And that growth in activity has spurred the council to act, particularly after an increase in what it describes as 'hugely offensive racist graffiti' which it has swiftly removed.

It has issued the following unattributed statement:

"The council recognises the importance of celebrating our national identity, which we do appropriately by flying the St George flag year-round at the council, and celebrating key dates in our history, like VE Day.

"However, we have heard from a range of residents, and politicians from different political parties, that the increase in 'informal' flag flying and other symbolism is unwelcome, making some residents feel intimidated or uncomfortable in certain areas.

"Some have also made clear their expectation that the council should remove paint from roundabouts just as it would remove graffiti. Some have raised concerns about safety. Others have asked us not to 'inflame' the situation by removing flags. As a council we need to take into account all these legitimate but differing views.

"We know that the majority of residents would never want to cause any ill will or upset in their communities, but we want to be clear that Thurrock Council cannot condone any behaviour that sets out to intimidate.

"We are a borough that is richer for its diversity and our celebration of all of our communities, whatever their background.

"From the Windrush landing here to the Bata community that drew workers from all over the world, and the safe refuge offered to some of the victims of the war in Ukraine and the Srebrenica genocide, history shows Thurrock has always been a welcoming place. Any attempts to divide Thurrock will fail.

"As a council, our powers are limited to public spaces, and the cost to the public purse of repairing roundabouts or removing flags and graffiti from public places is high. Therefore, we will prioritise complaints about things that are obviously offensive or pose an immediate risk to resident safety."

"We do, however, ask anyone considering acts of vandalism to recognise that it is public money, paid for through local taxes, that will have to pay for any repairs, and take officers away from other important road repairs.

"We hope local people understand the council's need to balance different views, and safety and cost considerations, as we navigate this difficult issue.

The council has also advised councillors to be aware of the situation, saying: "We have received many enquiries and complaints about this and have, as you would expect, carefully considered an appropriate response."

The authority advises councillors to draw words from the statement when answering residents' queries.

Flying the Pride flag at the town hall has brought some criticism of the council.

The issue of civic flag-flying has been of public interest recently, with criticism of the council for what it puts on its three flag poles at the town hall in Grays.

The council made the point that it In addition it flies the Cross of St George Flag and the Union Flag every day of the year.

A statement added: "Other flags are flown throughout the year to mark key events that are 'relevant to residents'."

Earlier this week the council hosted a flagraising at the town hall to mark Merchant Navy Day.