Overview
- Steeple Morden Parish Council withdrew a £9,000 tree-removal order in a 21 September email, saying proceeding could be seen as alignment or endorsement.
- Billy Crotty had placed about 300 St George’s and Union flags along the A1198 near Bassingbourn and on nearby A10 and A505 routes earlier in the summer.
- Council chair Nick Badger said the non-political authority acted to remain neutral during a period of intense media interest in Crotty’s flag activity.
- Crotty says the cancellation hurt his family finances, believes the job went to another contractor, and says he has considered legal action but has not started proceedings.
- Senior politicians have said the national flag represents a diverse country and should not be used to intimidate, reflecting the broader debate over the summer displays.