Racist Graffiti Daubed On Road

Racist graffiti has been removed from a road near Lutterworth as people are urged to stop painting on the highway.

It was daubed on Mere Lane in Bitteswell and has been condemned by Leicestershire County Council.

Racist graffiti was daubed on a road in Bitteswell

Several mini-roundabouts, including in Market Harborough, have had colours of the St George’s flag painted on them as part of a trend across the country, which has also seen thousands of St George’s and Union flags attached to lampposts.

While it’s an offence to attach anything to a street light without permission, the authority says its highways teams will only step in if flags attached to lamp posts, or other street furniture, pose a serious safety risk.

However, people are being asked not to paint or graffiti mini-roundabouts and crossings, which is illegal.

Dan Harrison, leader of Leicestershire County Council, said: “It’s great to see people being patriotic.

“Whilst the flags are a welcome sight, the flying must be done safely.

“I know people want to show national pride but painting roads is different – it’s dangerous and against the law.

“We can’t condone vandalism, nor stand by when extremely offensive comments are being spraypainted onto public property. Our communities quite rightly expect us to take action and we will do.

“I’m proud of our communities, our heritage and our country and I’m keen to explore how we can celebrate this across Leicestershire.”

Police and Crime Commissioner, Rupert Matthews, is backing the call, and said: “Our national flags are symbols of unity and pride that we can all rally behind.

“However, I would urge everyone to obey the law relating to flags when raising the colours.”