Scarborough businessman slapped with £2,300 fine for erecting Union flags in North Yorkshire

The 42-year-old business owner told GB News he erected flags in order to bring the community together and foster a sense of national pride, but says that he is now being fined thousands of pounds by the council for allegedly flying 64 flags.

It comes after North Yorkshire Council directed contractors in October to remove flags displayed across Scarborough, including those along Marine Drive, and further informed residents and businesses that these flags are considered "unauthorised".

"The flags were not political, offensive, or harmful in any way," William Haylett said.

"They were a source of pride, unity, and hope, symbols that brought our community together at a time when many people are struggling, feeling anxious, and seeking connection.

"Removing them does not protect the public. It sends a very different message - one of division and unnecessary control over community expression.

"Our history and our families have given much for the freedoms we have today, including the right to stand proudly under our flag.

"To take that away without consultation or explanation shows a profound disconnect from the people this council is meant to represent."

Mr Haylett is challenging the fine, issued under section 132 of the Highways Act, and he has contacted North Yorkshire Council this week, asking for evidence that he is responsible for each flag and their locations, including CCTV and witness statements and has questioned the legal basis for the allegation.

A letter from North Yorkshire Council to William Haylett, with a separate invoice for £2,321.28, dated 18 November, reads: "The display of flags on our infrastructure without our consent, authorisation under an enactment, or reasonable excuse is an offence under section 132 of the Highways Act.

"The council can seek to recover costs incurred in removing such unauthorised enactments.

"On October 30/31, we removed 64 flags in the Scarborough area, believed to be your property and that you may wish us to return them.

"I attach a notice imposing an Obligation to Collect Goods which states that the council will only be prepared to return your flags on the basis that you reimburse the council with the costs of removal.

"On the basis that the flags were yours, this equates to £36.27 per flag plus VAT.

"To be clear, whether you wish to retrieve your flags or not, the council is seeking to pursue the total costs of their removal. An invoice will be sent to you under separate cover."

The letter adds that no further flags should be erected to "avoid further safety issues".

It continues: "Additionally, the outcome we are also seeking is that no further flags are erected, to avoid further safety issues and so that we do not have to spend more of our limited resources on this issue, which would be better deployed elsewhere.

"Should Squeeky Clean erect further flags, then we reserve the right to seek to reclaim the cost of the removal of flags."

In response to the fine and removal of the flags, Mr Haylett says he is "disgusted" and added: "All over the country, everyone is down and depressed - putting flags up was to pick ourselves back up and to get spring back in our step.

"The Union flag means everything to me - it means pride, freedom and unity.

"Look at America with flags, they fly their flag proudly everywhere, all across the country and all across the world, but here, national pride is being erased and our identity.

"We should be able to fly our flags and be proud, but I've had enough of the Government. It feels like nobody is here for us, and we work hard every day to make ends meet and pay bills, but can't even fly our own flag.

"I think it's an absolute disgrace that we can't fly our own flag and put a smile on our faces - the community should be coming together back to values, and raising the flag is part of that.

"I've been out early every morning and late every night in this cold weather, helping the homeless in these cold conditions and more should be done to help those in need in this country.

"The system is failing English people, and I'm not being racist saying that."

Mr Haylett has also asked North Yorkshire Council to explain why flags were removed, under what specific policy or authority this action was taken, why "no community consultation or notice was provided" and how the council "intend to repair the damage done to community trust".

A North Yorkshire Council spokesman said: "We are proud to support big national and regional occasions by flying a St George’s Cross or Union flag.

"However, we are aware of some residents across North Yorkshire feeling uncomfortable with the number of flags as well as graffiti.

"This does not reflect the inclusive and celebratory tone in which displaying the flags should be intended.

"We have also seen numerous examples of people putting themselves at risk to display flags on highways, bridges, and lampposts.

"We respect individuals' rights to fly and paint flags on their own private property, but any unauthorised flags or markings on roundabouts and street furniture will be removed when resources allow, focusing on those which are a safety issue."

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