‘The wrong approach’ - Devon councillor warns against St George’s crosses on roads

Devon residents are being urged to show their patriotism with flags rather than graffiti, after a spate of St George’s crosses were painted on road signs, roundabouts and markings across the county.

The trend, which has appeared nationwide, has divided opinion locally. Some see it as a sign of pride, while others worry about the cost and safety issues it creates.

Councillor James Grainger, Reform UK’s new member for Okehampton Rural, warned that painting flags on public property is “the wrong approach”.

He said it risks taking already stretched highway teams away from essential work.

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“Our highways team at Devon County Council is working extremely hard, with limited resources, to try and fix our broken roads,” he said.

“If they are tasked with painting new road markings and removing graffiti, it means they are taken away from fixing our dreaded potholes. Making the repairs is also an unneeded cost to the taxpayer at a time when budgets are tight.”

Grainger added that defaced road markings could confuse drivers and increase the chance of accidents.

He said he believes the St George’s flag should be seen as a unifying symbol. “We ought to be proud of our unique identity and fly our national symbol with pride,” he said.

“Being pro-English and wanting to preserve your culture is not far-right or racist, it’s patriotic. So please, fly the flag, be proud to do so, but don’t vandalise our towns by painting flags.”

The councillor acknowledged that many locals like the graffiti but stressed the best way to show national pride is by flying the flag responsibly, without damaging public property.