Kent village told to remove flags before Christmas lights go up

Published: 06 November 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

A village in Kent has been told it cannot install its annual Christmas lights unless all flags, including St George’s flags, currently displayed on lampposts are removed. Harrietsham Parish Council (HPC) confirmed that Kent County Council (KCC) had approved the seasonal decorations along the A20, but with the condition that the flags be taken down to avoid a “safety risk” during installation.

The move has sparked frustration among residents, who fear the festive display may not proceed as planned. HPC said in a statement that while the council has received the permit, the requirement to remove the flags could prevent the lights from being installed this year. The parish council also warned that it could still be liable for costs already incurred for the lighting arrangements, despite uncertainty over the installation.

“This condition from Kent County Council may result in the installation of the Christmas lights being unable to proceed as planned for 2025,” HPC said on its website. “Despite this, the Parish Council will still be liable for the hire cost, as the arrangements were in place before the permit was issued. It is important to make residents aware of the financial implications placed upon it by the permit.”

Most of the flags along the A20 are St George’s flags, which residents had put up earlier in the year. Some local people have expressed disappointment that these flags might prevent the traditional Christmas lights from being displayed. Ray Bastone, a local resident, told the BBC: “I don’t know why the people who put the flags up don’t take them down for Christmas so the lights can go up. They can put them up afterwards if they want. It’s a shame we’ll have no lights up.”

Kent County Council defended the decision, stressing that safety is the priority. Peter Osborne, KCC’s cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “The claim that Harrietsham Parish Council will face significant extra costs is simply wrong. The contractor they have already hired to install the Christmas lights can remove any obstructing flags as part of the same job—no additional significant expense should be expected.”

Osborne added that the council fully supports festive traditions and the sense of community they bring, but installation safety must come first. Flags on lampposts pose a potential hazard for workers erecting the Christmas decorations, and their removal is a precaution to ensure that the lights can be installed safely and enjoyed by everyone.

HPC has appealed to those who put up the St George’s flags to remove them voluntarily, allowing the Christmas lights to go ahead without delay. The parish council said it is hopeful that cooperation from residents will ensure the village can still celebrate the festive season with its traditional illuminations.

The situation highlights the delicate balance local councils must strike between maintaining public safety and supporting community traditions. While Harrietsham residents have embraced the practice of displaying St George’s flags, the Christmas lights are a longstanding feature of the village, bringing joy to families and visitors alike during the holiday season.

The coming weeks will determine whether Harrietsham can proceed with its festive plans or if residents will have to wait another year for their customary seasonal display. For now, the parish council continues to liaise with KCC and the local community to find a solution that ensures both safety and celebration.