Shropshire council staff met with rising ‘abuse and intimidation’ over removal of flags

The flag campaign, which is believed to have started in Birmingham last summer, has resulted in hundreds of union and St George’s flags being erected across England. Photograph: Christopher Thomond/The Guardian

Residents, council staff and councillors have been subject to rising “abuse, harassment and intimidation” directly linked to the removal of unauthorised flags, a local authority has said.

Shropshire council said it had recorded a rise in reports of abuse with staff and members “being threatened for explaining the council’s position” on the removal of flags and when they attempt to do so – “even in day-to-day work to repair street lighting”.