This petition is deeply personal and echoes the voice of the people in our community. Erin Sadler was a beautiful little girl whose compassion, courage, and kindness made a profound impact on everyone in Colchester. Despite being only eight years old and living with multiple terminal illnesses, she selflessly dedicated herself to aiding those in need, often raising money for various charities. Sadly, Erin passed away in December 2022, leaving a void in our hearts.

To keep her memory alive, Erin’s grandfather, an esteemed member of our community, has been flying flags in his driveway which beautifully depict Erin's vibrant face. These flags serve not just as personal mementos, but also as a symbol of community spirit and an enduring tribute to her immeasurable positive impact on Colchester.

Yet, unbelievably,  Colchester City Council seeks to remove these flags. This move has shocked our community, given that these flags uplift spirits and give comfort whilst reminding us of Erin's lovely legacy. The public sentiment is overwhelming - the people of Colchester deeply disagree with the council's decision, ourselves included.

Time and again, it has been proven that community remembrances such as these are therapeutic and help facilitate grief processing. Moreover, they serve as an active narration of local history and culture, making our neighbourhoods more humane, friendly, and real.

This petition is a call for the city council to reconsider their decision and allow the flags to continue to fly, letting our beloved Erin's memory continue to inspire us all. We invite you to lend your voice in this cause by signing this petition and standing with us in solidarity against a decision that dampens the spirit of our community. Let Erin's flag fly!