UK council sends police warning to locals after workers removing Union Flags 'abused'

Police in Hertfordshire are working to protect council workers after they faced abuse while taking down Union and St George's flags. The county council said its staff had been verbally abused, threatened, and spat at while trying to take the flags off lampposts.

It has now been forced to call in the Hertfordshire Constabulary, who will be told in advance of any plans to remove flags, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said. Officers could be called to keep the council workers safe or investigate reported incidents. Teams of contractors were specifically tasked with removing Union Flags and St George's crosses after they started popping up in August.

Alex Woodman, the executive director for community protection, said removal efforts have ramped up amid growing concerns from residents.

He said some felt intimidated by the use of the flags, but acknowledged that others see them as no more than a celebration of the country.

Mr Woodman also confirmed that the chief constable of Hertfordshire Constabulary has agreed to make officers available to support the council's contractors.

A Hertfordshire County Council spokesperson said: "Sadly, when our crews began to take flags down earlier in the month, there were instances of abuse and threatening behaviour by some members of the public.

"It is completely unacceptable that our front-line workers were subjected to this sort of behaviour for simply doing their jobs.

"As a result, we have reviewed our approach, and we are working closely with the police to ensure the safety of our workforce whilst they remove flags.

"We recognise the divergence of views and the strength of feeling felt by residents on this topic. We will not tolerate any abuse directed towards our front-line colleagues, and any criminal behaviour will be reported to the police."

Hertfordshire Constabulary also confirmed that it was working alongside the council to "ensure their workforce is safe".