“England’s most patriotic street” is bracing for a showdown with its local Green council over plans to remove residents’ St George’s flags.
Torrington Avenue in Bristol has warned officials they’re ready for a “battle” if attempts go ahead to take down flags put up for the World Cup.
The Knowle West street has a long tradition of decorating for football tournaments, with flags covering the area for decades.
But Bristol City Council has criticised residents for attaching flags to lampposts, railings and other public fixtures, citing health and safety concerns. The council has also urged people to report flags placed on public property, a move that has fuelled anger locally and drawn criticism from Labour figure Wes Streeting.
One resident, who asked not to be named, said: “If they want a battle, they’ve got the whole street to deal with. If they want a war, it will happen.”
Under the Highways Act 1980, it is an offence to attach items to highway structures without permission, though authorities can remove them under section 132(2).
The council says it will initially focus on flags in “sensitive locations” and review how it handles those on council-owned property.
Green council leader Tony Dyer said: “By celebrating responsibly and being mindful of others, we can ensure Bristol remains welcoming, respectful and safe for everyone during the tournament.”
Despite this, residents have continued putting flags up this week, stretching them across the 300-metre road using ropes and ladders.
Lisa, 43, has been helping attach flag lines to hooks on houses, continuing a tradition started by her late father. She said it’s about community and supporting England, adding: “It’s football — it brings everyone together. We’re all Bristol City and England fans. It looks beautiful at night. I can’t see them taking them down; it’s only for the tournament.”
She also said the flags were purely football-related and that the street is made up of people from different nationalities who all get along.
Another resident said: “This is England, this is our country, and we have every right to fly flags for our team. It’s ridiculous. It’s been like this for generations.”
Warren, 32, added: “We just want to protect our families and put our flags up. No one complains in America. My neighbour is Polish and he’s fine with it.”
Linda Pickford, 65, who has been hanging bunting from her home to a nearby lamppost, said: “You can’t have Torrington without flags. It brings the community together. They can’t fine everyone for it. The council is being pathetic.”
