towncouncil@diss.gov.uk

Diss Town Council has been inundated with emails, calls, and in-person enquiries regarding the flags installed on street furniture in Diss. Due to the sheer volume of correspondence we have received, and the fact that our administrative team is very small, we are unfortunately unable to respond to each enquiry.  We ask for your understanding as we prioritise the key duties and responsibilities of the Town Council. 

Further to our first press release issued on 3rd September, we wanted to reiterate that we have not authorised the installation of these flags on our streetlighting columns, nor do we condone the display of flags that may have been erected as a direct form of intimidation, hate crime, or harassment.

We understand that this issue has been deeply troubling and divisive for many in our community, and we do not want residents to feel unsafe in our town. The removal of these flags is complicated by logistical, legal, and ethical factors. It could inadvertently give more visibility or power to those seeking to provoke division, leading to heightened unwelcome activity.  Removal costs could run into thousands of pounds, requiring qualified contractors, road closures, and cherry picker equipment to comply with safety legislation. There is also a concern that removing the flags at public expense risks them being reinstalled, potentially creating an ongoing cycle that repeatedly costs taxpayers.

We have been engaging with the relevant authorities, including the police, to monitor the situation and to make sure that any reports of hate crime or harassment linked to these displays are properly addressed. Diss Town Council is committed to supporting the welcoming and inclusive nature of our town. While we understand some residents may feel intimidated or unwelcome due to the flags, Diss has a long history of being a community enriched by people from diverse cultures and backgrounds, and we encourage continued support from the whole community.