29/05/2026
Public Announcement:
Braintree's Colours Are Here to Stay!
For the past few months, a small but determined group has tried—and failed—to remove Braintree’s colours.
This group’s latest attempt involved creating an online petition to force Essex County Council (ECC) and Braintree Council to actively remove all of our flags, while also seeking damages and costs from Flag Force Braintree.
Today, we are proud to tell you that this effort has failed!
Essex County Council has responded with a clear and direct reply.
In essence, the council has made it clear that the flags will not be touched, with only two strict exceptions:
1 Safety Risks: If a flag's location poses a danger or could cause damage (e.g., obstructing a road user).
2 Maintenance: If the flags are not properly maintained.
Flag Force Braintree entirely agrees to these practical terms. Now that the council has clarified its position, it is clear they will not proactively remove our country's flags from lighting columns unless there is a genuine safety concern.
Because these flags have been entirely funded by local residents, any unauthorized removal by third parties will be viewed by us as theft and criminal damage. We will use all available means—including CCTV and reporting incidents to Essex Police—to ensure anyone removing them is prosecuted.
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The following is the full responce from the Council if you wish to read it
This petition has been reviewed and the following response has been offered:
Dear Petitioner
Thank you for you for presenting this petition.
We are respectful of the importance of celebrating our national identity, and ECC proudly flies the Cross of St George every day at County Hall.
The English flag is a great source of national pride, alongside the other flags of the Union. They also reflect our proud history as a nation, and our deeply held national values - liberty, the rule of law, mutual respect, tolerance and fair play.
The following notes guide how we will act if there is a risk to drivers and/or pedestrians or others.
If flags need to be removed for any safety reason, we will explain why. This, of course, comes at a cost to the taxpayer.
Guidance
Flags fixed to lighting columns/other highways structures: These will only be removed where placement causes a road safety or community safety concern. The exception to this will be any flags that are annotated with the emblem of a proscribed organisation.
Flags painted on to highway (e.g. roundabouts, zebra crossing) or signs: These will be repainted where there is a significant road safety concern. ECC may not be able to repaint all sites, or repeatedly return to repaint site. The exception is for incidents where any slogans or their placement may be connected to a hate crime/Police investigation.
Flags flying on private property: Providing planning is in place (where required) and there are no safety issues, no action will be taken.
Flags placed on ECC buildings without permission: These will be removed if they present a material safety risk to site users or the building, utilising established procedures/maintenance agreements. Any potential criminal damage offence will be reported to Essex Police.
Complaints: Any complaints about flags should be directed to [email protected]
