More flags put up around Solihull triggers policy review

By Emily Griffin 11th Aug 2026

Local News by Emily Griffin 11th Aug 2026

Concerns have been raised over the appearance of flags across Solihull (Photo: Nub News)

Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC) says it is reviewing its position on flags displayed around the borough after concerns were raised about damaged and deteriorating banners remaining in place on lampposts.

The issue has attracted attention following a social media campaign from Lower the Flags Solihull.

The organisation's posts highlighted torn, faded, and tattered flags across Solihull, while also questioning the installation of new flags on the motorway bridge leading into Blythe Valley.

Responding to questions, SMBC clarified that it has no authority over the recently installed flags on the Blythe Valley bridge.

A spokesperson said: "Blythe Valley Bridge is privately owned, therefore any flags installed are the landowner's responsibility and cannot be removed by Solihull Council."

The authority also outlined its current approach to flags displayed elsewhere in the borough saying: "The Council position is that we will remove flags that pose a risk to public safety, are ripped or damaged, or with political slogans, statements, or vulgar language.

"While our position remains the same, we are currently reviewing this in light of the changing position both locally and nationally."

The statement comes after residents raised concerns about the condition of some flags attached to lampposts across the borough, with calls for damaged displays to be removed or replaced.

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The council has not yet provided details on what changes, if any, could result from the review, or when a decision is expected.

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Comments (5)

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SMBC should fly the union flag on every public building in the borough, as should every other local authority & govt. office, then maybe the ones on lamp posts wouldn't be so necessary. We need to show what little pride we have left in our country.
Anyway, why would anybody come to this country to improve their life, but feel upset by our flag? If you have been to USA, a country of probably 98 percent immigrants, you will have seen flags as big as tennis courts, & nobody would be foolish enough to complain.

The raise the colours movement, has given me great pride. "Born English by the Grace of God",

It has come to a time when, all the flags need taking down. Whilst I agree with the pride with representing our nation flag, I think after rememberance Sunday on November 11th, the raise the colours movement have made their point. I do agree that all flags on street furniture be lowered. I love my country but agree there are certain people that get a small bit wound up with the national pride malarky. Let's face it, we live in a multicultural society, and the flag raising across the country has shown that Britain is a proud nation and that is why people from across the world take considerable risks to come here. I really don't know why they do at times, I've no concept of how bad life is from where they are from. If you are a patriot of Britain, by all means show your patriotism in your property, But how much do you own ?

Keep them up! Showing patriotism!

SMBC absolutely spineless on this. The flags everywhere should be torn down, and an injunction put in place stopping RTC from putting more up. Oxford did it, so Solihull can and should.