Bracknell councillors are calling for community cohesion following the ‘raise the flags’ activism that took place over the summer.
‘Operation Raise the Colours’ saw UK and St George’s cross flags appearing in Wildridings, Crowthorne and across town centre roundabouts.
The leader of Bracknell Forest Council, along with the leaders of the Bracknell Liberal Democrats and Bracknell Green Party, have written an open letter to the community.
The letter states: “We all want Bracknell Forest to be a place we can be proud of, where we all feel that we are safe and part of the community.
“Bracknell Forest has always been a place where neighbours look out for one another and respect each other’s differences.
“Our community is known for its understanding, kindness, and collective pride – a reputation built through years of supporting each other.
“As community leaders, we have recently heard from residents with different perspectives about the flags. Those who are feeling anxious at this time, and those who feel strongly about their right to express pride in our national identity.
“Everyone in Bracknell Forest has the right to live, work, and express themselves freely, but also to live in an atmosphere of respect, free from intimidation or fear.
“Our borough’s strength lies in our unity and our ability to treat one another with dignity, regardless of our views or backgrounds.
“We want to acknowledge these concerns and ask everyone to show kindness and understanding – for those who need our help, for people who might see things differently, and for how our actions might affect others.
“Let’s continue to uphold the values that make Bracknell Forest a welcoming and caring place for all. By showing understanding and kindness, we can make sure our borough remains a place where everyone feels safe, valued, and proud to be part of the community.”
Mary Temperton (Labour, Great Hollands), the council leader, cllr Mike Forster (Liberal Democrats, Sandhurst), leader of the Bracknell Lib Dems, cllr Adrian Haffegee and cllr Sheila Collings (both Green, Binfield North and Warfield West) have written an open letter to the community.
The letter was published on Wednesday, September 24.
It comes amid increasing debate in the area about expressions of patriotism and freedom of speech in general.
Operation Raise the Colours has divided opinions, with cllr John Edwards (Independent, Owlsmoor), from Sandhurst Town Council has characterised it as a ‘patriotic outpouring’.
On the other hand, there have been reports nationally that minority groups have felt intimidated.
Members of the public are allowed to put up British national flags on their own private property without requiring permission.
Flags that were hung from lampposts in Crowthorne were removed as they were put up without permission from Bracknell Forest Council, which manages the highways.
