Overview

• City contractors have been recruited for a month-long overnight operation across October to clear Union and St George’s Cross flags from lamp-posts and other public assets.
• Job adverts for Kier MEWP operators describe overnight removal of unauthorised attachments, with reported pay of £22 to £25 per hour and the potential for roles to run through late October.
• Councillor Jamie Tennant confirmed the removals are underway, noting respect for national symbols while stressing that mass postings on street furniture are not authorised.
• Leek Town Council is taking down town-centre flags and bunting to prepare for Christmas lights and warned that abuse toward contractors will not be tolerated.
• Police have been drawn into related confrontations and threats, including a reported rape threat to Derby councillor Sarah Chambers after her council moved to remove flags.