Flags in town dubbed 'fascist republic of Calderdale' to be removed says Reform councillor
Dozens of Union Jack flags put up illegally on Elland lamp posts are to be taken down, according to one of the town’s ward councillors.
Councillor Peter Hunt, a former Conservative councillor who defected to Reform UK last year, has posted that the flags will be removed later this year “by way of routine maintenance”.
The flags caused controversy last year when around 50 of them appeared overnight, tracing a route through Elland.
Former Calderdale councillor Sue Holdsworth, a Liberal Democrat party member who was then a ward member for Greetland and Stainland, said last year that Elland was being jokingly referred to the “Fascist Republic of Calderdale” because of the flags.
Count Hunt posted last night: “Flags - residents will know I do not like this subject. It is so controversial and polarising and I find myself stuck in the middle because I'm here to represent all views.
"Well, some people want to know what's happening with them. As far as I know, unless it changes, the policy is for later 2026 removal from lampposts by way of routine maintenance. I am in the process of finding out timescales.
"Please note, this does not mean I'm anti-flag. Or pro-flag. (On street furniture). I'm just doing my job. I'm sure you understand.”
Calderdale Council announced its stance on flags painted on roundabouts and hung from lamp posts last September.
It said then it was not permitted to attach flags to street lighting columns or other highways structures, or paint symbols on highways or roundabouts without permission, as this can present risks and damage public assets.