
A town council has reported England flags painted on a roundabout in Carnforth to the police - saying they consider it criminal damage.
Carnforth Town Council also said concerns have been raised that the painting of the St George's cross on the Crag Bank Village roundabout "may carry anti-immigration connotations".
The town council said they had reported the flags, painted on the junction of the A6 between Carnforth and Bolton-le-Sands, and Longfield Drive, to Lancashire Police and Lancashire County Council.
"Carnforth Town Council has formally reported an incident of criminal damage at the Crag Bank Village roundabout, where the surface was recently painted in the design of the England flag without authorisation," said a town council spokesperson.
"While the council respects national symbols and the right to lawful expression, this act was carried out on public property without consent and is therefore considered criminal damage. Furthermore, concerns have been raised that the nature and timing of the act may carry anti-immigration connotations, which do not reflect the inclusive values of our community.
"The council has referred the matter to Lancashire County Council and the local police for investigation. We are committed to ensuring that public spaces remain respectful, welcoming, and lawfully maintained for all residents.
"Carnforth Town Council continues to promote unity, diversity, and civic responsibility. We thank the community for its support and vigilance in helping us uphold these principles."
The St George cross has been painted on other roundabouts in the Lancaster and Morecambe area too, including here, below, at Scale Hall.
A Lancashire County Council spokesperson said: "In general, our highways teams will remove something if it becomes a safety hazard on the highway, or as part of a future, cyclical programme of work."
Beyond Radio has contacted Lancashire Police for comment.
On August 19, County Councillor Stephen Atkinson, leader of Lancashire County Council from Reform UK, released a statement after England flags were flown from lampposts across the county.
"We support the patriotic hanging of the Union and St George's Cross flags in a safe way," said County Councillor Atkinson.
"If done in appropriate manner it can create a real sense of civic pride, unity and inclusion and works well to brighten up our cities, towns and villages.
"It is important that people use their common sense placing flags and think of their own safety, particularly when draping anything at height, and that of others.
"As a highways authority, the county council's policy is to work with communities to ensure items like flags and bunting can be displayed appropriately.
"We would only take action to remove something if it posed a danger to road users.
"We also have some general advice on this matter available on our website here Column attachment guidance - Lancashire County Council."
A spokesperson for Lancashire County Council Conservatives said this week: "Lancashire should lead the way in flying our national flags.
"That’s why we’re calling for a new £10,000-per-district scheme to fly the Union Flag and St George’s Cross on a street in every village, town & city in Lancashire — safe, consistent and a new permanent feature of our areas.
"Over the past week, we’ve seen residents across the country flying the Union Flag and the flag of St George on our roads at their own expense — a real show of patriotism and civic pride.
"The Conservative group on Lancashire County Council is calling for a new council-backed scheme: £10,000 in each of our 12 districts to purchase and display our national flags. This is about bringing communities together, celebrating who we are, and making sure Lancashire leads the way nationally in showing pride in our national identity. We hope that it receives cross-party support!"