A20 festive plans on hold as flag removal row casts a shadow on Harrietsham’s Christmas cheer. Harrietsham’s Christmas lights are at risk and not because of funding cuts or technical faults, but because of flags.
Christmas Spirit Dims in Kent Village Amid Flag Dispute
Villagers in Harrietsham, Kent, have been left baffled after being told that festive lights can only go up if all flags currently flying on lampposts, including the iconic St George’s flags, are taken down.
The ruling comes from Kent County Council (KCC), which approved a permit for seasonal decorations along the A20, on the condition that no flags remain on the lamp columns. The reason? Safety concerns.
“Kent County Council has now issued the permit for the Parish Council’s Christmas lights to be installed along the A20 in the coming weeks.
However, the approval comes with a condition that any flags currently on the streetlight columns must be removed before the lights can go up, as they pose a safety risk,” Harrietsham Parish Council (HPC) explained in a statement on its website.
Villagers Frustrated as Festive Traditions Hinge on Flag Removal
The Parish Council warned that the requirement could derail Christmas entirely, with potential cost implications for the small village.
“This condition from Kent County Council may result in the installation of the Christmas lights being unable to proceed as planned for 2025. Despite this, the Parish Council will still be liable for the hire cost, as the arrangements were in place before the permit was issued,” HPC added.
The majority of flags flying on the lampposts are St George’s flags, a symbol of national pride now seemingly at odds with seasonal joy.
Frustrated villagers say they hope those responsible for putting the flags up will remove them temporarily so Christmas lights can be installed.
In Harrietsham, national pride is clashing with holiday spirit. The village’s Christmas lights face cancellation unless street flags, mainly St George’s, are taken down, stirring community frustration and concern.
Ray Bastone, a local resident, expressed disbelief over the issue when speaking to the BBC: “I don’t know why the people who put the flags up don’t take them down for Christmas so the lights can go up. They can put them up afterwards if they want. It’s a shame we’ll have no lights up.”
For many in Harrietsham, this isn’t just about decorations, it’s about preserving a long-standing festive tradition that brings neighbours together.
Council Defends Safety Rules, Denies Extra Costs for Decorations
Peter Osborne, KCC’s cabinet member for highways and transport, has pushed back on claims that the parish could face major expenses: “The claim that Harrietsham Parish Council will face significant extra costs is simply wrong.
The contractor they have already hired to install the Christmas lights can remove any obstructing flags as part of the same job – no additional significant expense should be expected.”
He added: “We fully support communities coming together to celebrate Christmas with festive lights – it’s a valued tradition that brings people together. But safety must come first.
Flags on streetlight columns pose a risk during installation, so they must be removed to ensure the lights go up safely and can be enjoyed by everyone.”
Despite the reassurances, Harrietsham Parish Council remains wary, citing concern over financial risks and potential last-minute snags.
Is Bureaucracy Stealing Christmas?
This bizarre standoff between local identity and health-and-safety rules has triggered a wider conversation across Kent. Can festive traditions coexist with flag displays, or must one give way to the other?
For now, Harrietsham residents are stuck in limbo, hoping for a compromise that allows their village to shine both in pride and in Christmas lights.
