Efforts to curtail the display of flags on lampposts in Wrexham have been thwarted. Campaigners claimed they are a “display of racism intended to put fear into the heart of minority communities”.
Arfon Jones, former Police & Crime Commissioner for North Wales, lodged a formal complaint with Wrexham Council calling for flags to be removed from such locations in the city centre. He claimed they were causing “fear and intimidation” among thousands of vulnerable residents.
In a letter to the local authority, he said the proliferation of flags and banners on lampposts could also be a “distraction and a danger” to drivers. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
The move was followed by a petition calling for “illegally placed banners” to be removed from the city’s lampposts. Launched three weeks ago by “Lower The Flags Wrexham”, it railed against the “blatant misuse of public space…. by allowing these symbols of division”. It’s since been signed by 400 people.
Online opponents claim Welsh Dragon displays are merely a show of patriotism and love for their country, saying the national flag of Wales should not be turned into a “hate symbol”.
Critics claim flag signalling in Wrexham has risen since plans to house up to 70 asylum seekers in Rhosllanerchrugog sparked a public backlash in January. The proposal, for the former Plas yn Rhos care home, was ultimately dropped but it’s claimed the concerns it generated have persisted.
Mr Jones, who lives in Wrexham and supports independence, argues that “hanging flags on lampposts is about racism” – and that Wrexham Council is “complicit” by not removing them. Recently, his stance was supported by another Wrexham resident, originally from Mozambique, who called for firmer leadership from the police and local councils.
Arfon Jones during his time as North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner
On social media, Iolanda Banu Viegas said immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers were suffering anxiety and feeling intimidated by “being surrounded by flags and symbols designed to make you feel unwelcome”.
Iolanda, who grew up in Portugal, is the North Wales hate crime officer for Race Council Cymru. She’s lived in Wrexham for 25 years. Claiming that important local issues were being “drowned out by hate”, she added: “It is heartbreaking, exhausting, and terrifying to feel unsafe in your own skin.”
Mr Jones alleged the local authority had failed in its duty under the Equalities Act to safeguard vulnerable communities in Wrexham and Flintshire. By failing to remove Welsh flags, he claimed the council was “effectively prioritising the rights of those instigating intimidation”.
In a response to Mr Jones, Wrexham Council said his complaint sparked an internal investigation and the issue remained under “active review”. The council stressed it “does not condone any form of hate towards any individual or group”, though it recognised that national symbols can in some circumstances sway public opinion.
The council said it would not proactively remove flags unless they were seen to be causing an obstruction or posing a risk. Area supervisors have been briefed to keep an eye on roadsides. The council said it was neutral and does not prioritise one group over another.
The council’s governance and customer chief officer added: “Where concerns are raised, they are neither dismissed nor minimised. As part of the ongoing review, where there is evidence that the installation of flags is contributing to feelings of intimidation or fear, the council will consider what actions may be required to support those affected.
“Dialogue with community representatives and relevant agencies has taken place and will continue, ensuring that concerns are captured and that appropriate action can be taken where necessary.”
Mr Jones labelled the council’s response a “whitewash”.
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