Council probe into World Cup flags 'over the top'

A council investigation into England flags and bunting being fixed to lamp-posts in a Cheshire street has been described as "over the top" and "harsh" by its residents.

People living in Church Road, Northwich, decided to get into the World Cup spirit with St George's flags and the flags of other nations including Scotland - hanging from windows and criss-crossing the street.

However, a letter sent by Cheshire West and Chester Council said it was investigating the decorations being unlawfully fixed to lamp-posts and asked for information on who was responsible.

The authority told the BBC flags and bunting fixed to lamp-posts posed an "avoidable hazard" to road users.

The letter to residents cited legislation including the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 and the Highways Act 1980.

Maxine Simeone, who lives on Church Road, said the decorations were a "just a bit of fun" to celebrate the national football team.

"It's brought all the neighbours together," she said.

"I thought it was a bit harsh saying it was anti-social. I thought it was the opposite of that to be honest because we've had older people coming past saying how nice it is.

"It reminds me of the jubilee and things like that, and people are bringing their children down, so I think it's the total opposite of anti-social."

Her son Leo and daughter Lucia said the flags had "added to the excitement" of the World Cup.

Lucia said: "I feel like they should just leave it now because it's for the World Cup. I feel like it's not that big of a deal."

Her partner, Lucas, added: "It's not hurting anyone is it? It's just a couple of flags."

Mia Franchetti, 22, said the street appeared unanimous in its support for the flags.

"I'm pretty sure everyone's happy about it except for the council," she said.

Another resident, Toni, said some neighbours had displayed flags for countries including Scotland and Morocco.

"Everybody's loved it," she said.

"I've been sitting on the step this morning and a family went past and they were loving it, said it was lovely, it was like good old days of celebrating like the Jubilee, the football, everything.

"So on the whole it's been a great reception and but a couple of people have got issues for some reason, I don't know why."

Another resident, Amanda, said she was not a huge football fan but appreciated the flags brightening up the street.

"I think the council could have better things to do than moan about a few flags," she said.

"They're not causing any problems and it looks nice."

The council told the BBC flags are "an important symbol of national identity, unity, and respect" and are flown from public buildings in the town.

However, it said the unauthorised fixing of flags to lamp-posts was "unacceptable" and "created an avoidable risk" to motorists.

"There have already been incidents in Cheshire West where flags have fallen on to vehicles and obscured road signage, posing a clear danger to road users," a spokesperson said.

"Residents remain free to display flags on their own property," they added.

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