From next week, North Lincolnshire Council will proudly fly the England flag whenever possible, showing support for national sports teams and celebrating a shared sense of pride and patriotism. This support reflects the enthusiasm felt across communities as England continues to compete on the international stage.
As Lincolnshire Day approaches on 1 October, the Lincolnshire flag will also be flown to honour the county’s rich heritage and identity. The council encourages residents and community groups to join in these celebrations and show their pride in both county and country.
The council is also proud to support the Isle of Axholme flag, which was created by the local community with support from North Lincolnshire Council. This flag represents the unique identity of the Isle and is a great example of local pride and collaboration.
To help communities take part more visibly, the council is inviting town and parish councils and community groups to apply for community grant funding towards new or additional flag poles. This initiative supports local expressions of pride and unity, ensuring that those communities that want to fly one or both national flags, or regional flags are able to do so.
The council is aware of recent instances of roundabouts being painted across North Lincolnshire. While it appreciates the spirit behind these actions, it is important to remember that roundabouts are vital parts of the highway network.
Whilst the council will not at this stage use taxpayers’ money to paint over these areas, we strongly encourage residents not to paint roundabouts, as this can distract drivers and increase the risk of accidents. Instead, we encourage residents to display flags in support of our country and county, as many already do. This is a safe and visible way to show pride and unity across communities.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said:
“At North Lincolnshire Council, we have always been proud to fly our national and regional flags, and we always will be.
“Displaying our national flags is a simple but powerful way to show pride in our nation and the values it stands for, and also to show support for our sporting teams. We wholeheartedly encourage residents, businesses, schools and public bodies to fly our national flags from their properties. That said, whilst I understand much of the passion behind recent events, it is not appropriate to paint over road markings, which exist solely to promote road safety.
“Instead, we’re encouraging town and parish councils and community groups to get involved, apply for funding, and celebrate our national and regional pride properly. One of the greatest characteristics of our wonderful country is that we believe in the rule of law, in moderation and in doing things correctly. Flying our national flags should never be something anyone feels shame in but nor must it be something that becomes divisive or which breaches the law. Let’s work together to show our pride in our country and in our county.
“That is why, as we head towards Lincolnshire Day, we also want to recognise the pride we have in our county and in unique places like the Isle of Axholme, where the community has come together to create a flag that reflects the wonderful unique heritage of the Isle. I hope residents, communities and businesses will take the time to fly more of the Isle and Lincolnshire flags too.”
