THIS is the moment killjoy council workers rip down an England flag from a balcony over “fire safety” fears just hours before the Three Lions’ World Cup semi-final clash with Argentina.
Doorbell camera footage shows two council employees outside the flat as one tries to untie the St George’s Cross from the balcony rail.
One worker appeared to cut the flag off with a knife Credit: X/GeorgeUK
Council chiefs deemed the flags a ‘fire risk’ Credit: X/GeorgeUK
When that fails, his colleague pulls a knife from his bag and slices through the ties before the pair carry the flag away.
The patriotic display was removed by City Council on Tuesday from a flat in the city’s Charles Dickens ward.
The Liberal Democrat-run authority said it had to come down because it breached fire safety rules for communal balconies.
But the move sparked fury from politicians, with Reform branding it “shocking”.
England flags hang from the windows of 10 Downing Street today ahead of tonight’s clash with Argentina Credit: AP
Larry the cat is seen outside 10 Downing Street that is decorated with England flags ahead of the semi-final World Cup football match against Aregntina Credit: Getty
Councillor George Madgwick, ‘s leader in Hampshire, shared the footage online.
He said: “The resident is clearly proud to support their country for the World Cup and displayed the flag for just a few weeks.
“There is no real safety or fire risk with the flag being hung on a steel bar, on concrete.
“Officers and the council should have been sensible and used their discretion to allow it to remain until the conclusion of the World Cup in several days’ time.
“Even more disappointingly, I’ve been notified the council require a nominal fee to return the property to the owner should they want it back.
“Personally I believe the council should apologise and replace it, in its prior position, until the World Cup has ended.”
Reform MP also hit out at the decision after writing to the council leader demanding an investigation.
The row comes despite St George’s Cross flags and bunting being draped outside 10 Downing Street this week ahead of ‘s last-four showdown.
England tonight for a place in Sunday’s World Cup final.
The winners will face as England bid to lift their first World Cup since 1966.
Portsmouth City Council insisted the flag was removed because communal balconies must be kept clear under its fire safety policy.
Council leader Steve Pitt said: “We understand residents want to show their support for England, and we’re pleased to see the community getting behind the team.
“However, our fire safety policy, reinforced by Hampshire Fire & Rescue and the Fire Safety Act, requires communal balconies to be kept clear of anything that could catch fire, spread fire, or block safe access.
“This applies to all items placed on balconies, including flags and banners.
“We have consulted with Hampshire Fire & Rescue and they agree with our approach to keeping communal balconies clear in the interests of fire safety.
“Residents are welcome to display flags inside their , such as in a window, where they can still show their support while helping to keep everyone safe.”
The latest row comes amid a string of disputes over England flags across the country.
In Cheshire, after they demanded flags fixed to street furniture be removed over safety concerns.
The Sun visited the patriotic street and not one person was opposed to the colourful display of Union flags and the Cross of St George.
Meanwhile, near public highways, saying the measures were aimed at public safety rather than patriotism.
Ultimately though they won a High Court injunction in June that banned anybody flying flags on or near public highways.
The order means anyone who flies flags near roads in the area in breach of the injunction could face up to two years in or an unlimited fine for contempt of court.
In Bristol, the Green-run city council told residents not to put up England flags for the World Cup because they would not be “welcoming” and posed and safety dangers.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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