Over the past year, a growing number of flags have been attached to public lampposts across Basingstoke. Lampposts are publicly owned highway structures. Under the Highways Act 1980, attaching anything to them without highways authority consent is not permitted.

Residents have observed flags displayed across the town with no public indication that permission has been sought or granted.

We are not calling for flags to be banned. We are not making a statement about patriotism. We are asking the council to apply its own rules fairly and consistently, as it would for any other use of public infrastructure.

We call on Hampshire County Council to:

- Confirm what authorisation, if any, has been granted
- Remove flags displayed without permission
- Establish a clear, fair process for future requests

Public spaces belong to the whole community. They should be managed accordingly.