Fundraising appeal to put flags on lampposts in Sheffield raises more than £1,000
A fundraiser to put flags on lampposts in Sheffield has raised more than £1,000.
The ‘Raise the colours Sheffield’ GoFundMe page online has had 71 donations of up to £85.
Organised by Graham Chambers, it states the aim is to bring our “community closer.”
On the ‘Raise The Colours Sheffield’ Facebook page an admin post urges people to click through to the fundraiser and states it costs £10 for two 3ftx5ft flags.
It adds: “All donations go towards ties and flags.”
The group uses an image of Sheffield’s Women of Steel sculpture in its publicity material. The bronze commemorates the women who worked in the city's steel industry during the first and second world wars.
It is illegal to attach flags to council-owned assets, such as lampposts and bridges, unless permission is granted by authorities.
The Highways Act 1980 prohibits placing or attaching anything to a public highway without consent and bans the placing of any items that could cause danger, obstruction, or distraction.
St George and union flags started appearing last summer. The practice became popular among people who say they are motivated by patriotism.
But others have expressed concerns the movement may be used by far-right activists to intimidate minorities and asylum seekers at a time when tensions are running high over immigration.
Last week The Star revealed a rival group had removed hundreds of flags from public property including lampposts.
SCARF, Sheffield Communities Against Racism & Fascism, said hundreds of people had contacted them for advice.
Its Facebook page has attracted some negative comments including threats of violence.
In September, Sheffield City Council said it welcomed people flying flags but only on private property.
It added: “Unauthorised items will be removed from public property in due course as part of routine maintenance. Any unauthorised items which pose a safety risk will be removed as a priority.”