The painting of flags onto roundabouts, road signs, and even buildings across Wiltshire has been branded “vandalism”.
St George’s crosses have been popping up on white surfaces around the county in recent weeks amidst a national social media campaign dubbed Operation Raise the Colours.
Many people have also been flying St George’s and Union Jack flags from their houses.
Wiltshire Council says those spray-painting highways in Wiltshire are committing vandalism rather than expressing nationalism.
The makeshift flags have appeared in towns and villages around the county, including roundabouts on Hungerdown Lane and Bristol Road in Chippenham, Bath Road in Corsham, Northgate Street in Devizes, and Wingfield Road in Trowbridge.
As well as roundabouts, a white doorway off the A4 in Corsham and a road sign at the Emery Gate car park in Chippenham have also been tagged.
He said: “We are aware of recent incidents where flags have been painted on potholes and road markings at some locations around the county.
“While those responsible may believe they are drawing attention to road defects or expressing a form of nationalism, this kind of activity constitutes vandalism.
“Potholes are fixed according to priority need as set out in our Highways Inspection Manual. Acts of vandalism do not bring a repair forward.
“If you spot a pothole on the road, please report it to us via the MyWilts app. If you witness someone engaging in vandalism, please report it to the police.”
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Operation Raise the Colours has received backing from people around the country who argue the national flag should be celebrated.
Many of those taking part say they are celebrating the flag for “patriotic” reasons rather than fuelling anti-immigration debates.
The campaign has also been divisive, with groups like Stand Up to Racism telling the BBC that it has links to “far right demonstrations” that have been popping up nationwide.
The Independent reported that the movement has received backing from far right figures like Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, also known as Tommy Robinson, and groups like Britain First.
Operation Raise the Colours is believed to have started in Birmingham and East London, and there have been reports of similar activities in Swindon, Manchester, Bradford, Newcastle, Norwich, Worcester, Redditch, York, Teignmouth, and the Isle of Wight.
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