A labour-run council has vowed to remove Palestinian flags from a traditionally Jewish area in a victory for common sense following intervention by the Sunday Express.
The local council had allowed several flags to remain on lampposts across the borough this month, despite complaints from a member of the Jewish community, amid claims police escorts were needed.
In the 1970s Redbridge, in east London, had a Jewish population of around 30,000, with Gants Hill a focal point, and many families remain there.
Redbridge Council removed flags in December but people became incensed after more flags appeared on Gants Hill roundabout last week.
A Jewish man, who did not want to be named amid fear of reprisals, said: “The council said this time that they can’t take them down unless they have police in attendance because the staff who removed them before received abuse. Now more flags have popped up.”
After being approached by the Sunday Express, the council has that said the flags would now be taken down.
A council spokesperson said: “Redbridge Council has a policy of removing any and all unauthorised items, including flags, banners and decorations, from our street furniture to keep streets tidy, prevent potential concealment of CCTV and traffic signs, and avoid items falling into the street.”
“Police have deployed officers twice, once to support workers, who had been met with hostility when removing unauthorised items from the highway, and subsequently to provide assurance.”
“Unauthorised items are removed at regular intervals when we can be assured that it is safe for staff to do so.”
A Met Police spokeswoman said: “Earlier this month, the local authority contacted police for assistance in removing flags being displayed on their property.”
“They raised concerns around the safety of those carrying out this work.”
“We assessed the evidence and concluded there was no clear risk to those removing the flags. Officers carrying out patrols spoke with contractors who raised no concerns.”
