Recent reports from Cheltenham have sparked unease after men wearing balaclavas were seen affixing flags to lampposts near the Evesham Road and Wellington Road junction. The flags included a mix of Union Flags and St George’s Cross, creating alarm among local residents.
Councillor Julian Tooke (LD, Pittville and St Paul’s), representing this area on Gloucestershire County Council, shared that a distressed resident witnessed the incident. She observed six to ten men emerge from a van and use a lift to place flags high on lampposts.
“While I support displaying flags in appropriate and lawful settings, the intimidating image of men in balaclavas hoisting flags naturally fills many people with fear and disgust,” Cllr Tooke said.
READ MORE: Cheltenham Jockey Tom Bellamy’s Mum Launches Girlfriend Search After Stunning Victory
READ MORE: Saint Le Fort Becomes Fourth Horse Fatality at Cheltenham Festival 2026
He also noted that other flags have appeared nearby, which he suspects may be acts of counter-protest. A short distance away in Woodmancote, County Councillor Cheryl Agg (LD, Winchcombe and Woodmancote) reported that various flags, including a Pride flag and an American flag, were displayed across the village.
Reflecting on the scene, Cllr Agg commented, “Seeing flags strung from lampposts overnight often confuses showy displays with genuine patriotism. True pride in our country is demonstrated through how we treat one another and contribute to our communities.”
She emphasized that meaningful British spirit is found in volunteers, supportive neighbours, and those quietly sustaining their communities rather than in public flag-waving. Regarding the local council’s stance, Cllr Agg explained that Gloucestershire County Council generally does not use public funds to remove such displays unless they pose a safety risk or obstruction.
“The issue is that once flags are taken down, others often put them right back up,” she added. “This isn’t the first occurrence in our village, but this time the flags are particularly widespread.”
Gloucestershire County Council has been contacted for comment on the situation.