Oxfordshire County Council has secured a High Court injunction to stop people from attaching flags to lampposts, after saying council workers have faced intimidation when taking them down. The legal move follows concerns that maintenance staff feel unsafe while carrying out the removals.
According to the report, some workers have been so worried about being identified that they have covered their faces during the job. The council said the situation had created fear among staff responsible for managing public infrastructure and enforcing local rules.
The injunction is intended to prevent further flags from being placed on lampposts without permission. By turning to the High Court, the council appears to be seeking a clearer legal route to protect employees and deal with repeated incidents more quickly.
The case highlights a wider issue for local authorities: balancing public displays with responsibility for street furniture, staff welfare and public order. In this instance, the court order marks a significant step in backing the council’s efforts to keep workers safe while maintaining control over what is put on lampposts.
