A village has had the decorations every year – but the area’s parish council says it cannot put them up this year until St George’s flags flying from lampposts are taken down
A village’s Christmas lights are under threat due to flags hoisted over the summer, warns a local council. Harrietsham, near Maidstone, has traditionally adorned the A20 Ashford Road with festive decorations each year, a tradition cherished by its residents.
However, the parish council has stated that this year’s display can’t go ahead until St George’s flags, currently fluttering from lampposts along the route, are removed. Kent County Council has refused to take down either St George’s or Union flags unless they pose a public safety risk.
Councillor Eddie Powell has urged those responsible for the flags to remove them, warning that failure to do so could result in the cancellation of the Christmas lights. He explained: “When the flags were first erected, the matter was discussed with our contractor and they advised that they could install the Christmas lights around the flags without issue.
“However, with the caveat placed on the installation of the Christmas lights by KCC, this is no longer an option available to the parish council. It is not within the contractor’s remit to remove flags as part of the installation process.
“As the flags and street columns are not parish council property, we are not permitted to use public funds to pay for their removal.
“We are hoping that whoever installed the flags will be able to remove them in due course to allow for the festive lights to be installed as planned”, reports the Mirror.
Patrick Willoughby, who operates Lee Davey Caravans Ltd on Ashford Road, expressed his frustration, stating it’s “ridiculous that Christmas is now cancelled for someone putting a flag up”.
He expressed his disbelief, stating: “It seems pretty ridiculous, doesn’t it? That you don’t get Christmas lights because someone’s put a flag up on a telegraph pole.
“I don’t know if it’s people being political, but if the lights are normally there, then removing the obstruction would be my philosophy.
“It seems crazy. Wouldn’t it be common sense to get the flags down while the lights are put up?
“I haven’t noticed them really, they’re clearly not that great. But it does seem daft not to have lights at Christmas.”
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