Red spray-painted lines on a Coventry crossing representing the English flag have been slammed as ‘disrespectful.’ Councillor Ant Tucker condemned the ‘wonky’ markings on Earlsdon Street.
Cllr Tucker, of the Labour Party, said the red spray-painted lines have ‘defaced’ the crossing near The City Arms. He emphasised that the crossing exists for pedestrian safety, not as a platform for political messaging.
He said he has requested the Earlsdon crossing be cleaned as a ‘priority.’ Coventry City Council was approached about England flags appearing across the city.
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Councillor Ant said: “Our flag deserves respect, and that is not what we achieve by spraying wonky red lines on our street, defacing road markings put there so people can cross safely. I have asked these to be cleaned up as a priority.”
He added: “We should fly our flag with pride, not scrawl it on the ground for cars to drive over. Union Jack symbolises the moment the peoples of this island came together as one country.
“St George was born in Turkey and died as a result of religious persecution. It means our flags stand for unity and tolerance.”
Flags have recently started appearing on streets, lampposts, and motorway bridges across the UK. Thousands of Union Jack and St Georges flags have been pictured in English cities, while red crosses have been painted over white mini-roundabouts and crossings.
It is believed the movement was started and continues to be encouraged by a Birmingham-based group called the Weoley Warriors. On a GoFundMe page, they said they have a shared goal of demonstrating their pride in the ‘history, freedoms, and achievements’ of England to Birmingham and beyond.
Coventry City Council has been contacted by CoventryLive.
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