Union Flags and Flags of St George on Alton lampposts will only be removed if they cause an obstruction or threaten public safety or order.

Complaining to the Herald, resident Harry Bennett said: “A significant local issue affecting our community is the unauthorised display of flags on public lampposts throughout Alton.

“For months now residents have put up with flags attached illegally to street furniture in contravention of the Highways Act 1980.

“These displays, along with painted crosses earlier in the year on roundabouts in the town, appear designed not to celebrate but to intimidate members of our community.

“Hampshire County Council's inaction in removing them has left many residents frustrated and concerned.”

County council leader Cllr Nick Adams-King said: “From a practical point of view, removing the flags will take significant resource away from our highways teams, with no certainty that they will not simply be replaced.

“We are removing flags where they obstruct signage or lines of sight at junctions. Otherwise, I would rather our highway teams get on with fixing potholes and clearing drainage ahead of the winter weather.

“This is not about making any kind of political point, it is purely a practical response to the situation.

“We are taking the police's advice on whether any should be removed from a public safety perspective. Should they conclude that these or flags in any other location should be removed for that purpose we would of course act immediately too.

“If members of the public consider them to be a threat to public safety or order, then it should be the police to whom they initially make their complaint.

“Winter weather is upon us and I have noticed a number of flags looking increasingly tatty. I very much hope and expect those who placed them will remove them should their condition cause them to become an eyesore.”