Councils issue advice on how to show support for football teams in a legal and safe way.
Councils around the West Country have asked residents to refrain from hanging flags on public property. The messages from Bristol City Council , South Gloucestershire Council and Wiltshire Council come ahead of the Fifa World Cup 2026, which is being held across USA, Mexico and Canada.
BCC leader Tony Dyer said: "That visible show of support, a sea of colour across our neighbourhoods, is part of what makes events like the World Cup so special.
" Torrington Avenue in the Knowle West area of Bristol was recognised as the most heavily decorated street during the UEFA European Football Championship in 2016 after residents hung England flags from houses, telephone masts and lampposts. The Highways Act 1980 states it is an offence to affix items to structures on the highway without the consent of the highway authority without reasonable excuse.
He said: "What people cannot do is fly flags on lampposts or railings or any public property. The council said it would prioritise the removal of flags in "sensitive locations" and would review the strategy for removing flags on council-owned property.
"By celebrating responsibly and being mindful of others, we can ensure that Bristol remains welcoming, respectful and safe for everyone during the tournament," Dyer added. South Gloucestershire Council said it welcomed the celebration of events and sports teams, but reminded residents that flags should only be displayed "safely, lawfully and with consideration for others". A spokesperson for the authority said: "Any flags or items displayed without permission on public land or council property will be removed by the council.
" They added the rules were in place to "protect public safety, prevent damage to public assets, ensure the highway remains safe and usable for everyone, and maintain a welcoming and cohesive community feel. "Wiltshire councillor Martin Smith said the authority had a duty to ensure the county's roads were "safe, clear and accessible at all times.
" He said: "We are all willing the England team on to end 60 years of hurt and bring the trophy home [after England's "However, we would like to remind residents that placing items such as banners, bunting or flags on or near the public highway - including lampposts, road signs and roundabouts - without permission, can pose safety risks to road users and pedestrians. It can also obstruct visibility," he added.
The opening match will be played in Mexico City on 11 June, with the final due in the US state of New Jersey on 19 July.
Please follow us on Google to support us United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
World Cup 2026: Scotland's fateful 1978 World Cup campaign still resonatesThere's a mesmeric quality to this story of '78, a legend of how a man and a country lost the run of itself, writes Tom English.
Read more »
World Cup 2026: US prepares to host World Cup for first time since 1994World Cup 2026: US prepares to host World Cup for first time since 1994
Read more »
World Cup LIVE: England news conference before final World Cup warm-upWatch England's news conference before the final warm-up game against Costa Rica with the World Cup set to start on Thursday.
Read more »
World Cup 2026: England cannot win World Cup while obsessing over Jude Bellingham, Tuchel saysThomas Tuchel says England cannot win the World Cup if they obsess about the role of Jude Bellingham or any other star.
Read more »