RESIDENTS in Midsomer Norton have given their views on the ‘Raising the Colours’ initiative, which has seen attempts to increase the use of national flags.

The campaign initially started in Birmingham, when Union Flags were being flown in response to a girl being isolated from school for wearing a dress of the flag in July.

It has since seen others around the country attempt to display national flags in other manners, such as painting a red cross on road markings such as mini roundabouts and crossings to represent the St George’s Cross.

Such markings can be seen in the Somer Valley as well, such as at the mini roundabout where North Road meets Station Road, Radstock Road and High Street in Midsomer Norton.

Andrew Thayer, from Radstock, said: “I like to see the flags flying, but just not on the roundabouts. It’s nice to see it, but nice to see it done properly. You see some tatty flags hung onto lampposts and it doesn’t look good.

“You see people put markings on zebra crossings and it’s a bit dangerous, and someone is going to have to come back and clear it up.”

Paula Quennell, also from Radstock, shared similar sentiments.

She said: “Why shouldn’t we fly flag if we want to? However, I don’t think people should be going around and trashing road signs because that leads to more money having to be spent to put things right again. It’s not right.

“I think if people want to do it, it’s fine, but do it on your own property. I’m quite happy to fly a few Union Jacks outside my house which we do, when the occasion arises to do so.

“But I don’t know if it really proves much of a point when you’re going around almost vandalising. Someone’s got to pay, and at the end of the day its us who pays.”

One man, who asked not to be named, believes that it is only a reaction to growing dissatisfaction within the country.

He said: “All these immigrants are coming over here and being put in hotels, free meals, £40 a week giving them smartphones and our government is taking the mick out of the taxpayer.

“That’s why everyone is doing this, because everyone’s fed up to the back teeth, and we want our country back.”

Opposition has come from Bath and North East Somerset Council, who highlighted the financial cost that fixing the markings would make.

Lucy Hodge, cabinet member for sustainable transport delivery, said: “The removal of graffiti, stickers, and flags placed on public assets comes at a cost to the public purse.

“This cost is not only financial, but also importantly includes the cost of council officers having to divert scarce resource from delivering promised, needed improvements. It is a criminal offence to put non-approved markings on the highways, and the police are actively investigating recent occurrences.

“The safety of everyone using our network is our top priority, and any vandalism of signs designed to keep road users safe will not be tolerated.”