England flags return to 'country's most patriotic street' after council safety row

Residents on Torrington Avenue in Bristol have put England flags up their whole street to show support for England in the football World Cup | Tom Wren / SWNS

placeholder image — Residents on Torrington Avenue in Bristol have put England flags up their whole street to show support for England in the football World Cup | Tom Wren / SWNS

Many people celebrated the renewed display of patriotism.

England flags are flying again on 'the country's most patriotic street' - after a council health and safety row over the World Cup tradition.

Torrington Road in Bristol has long been known for its displays of the St George's Cross during major international football tournaments.

But there was doubt about whether they would be allowed to be flown during this World Cup after the leader of Bristol City Council released a statement requesting that people only put up flags “in your own home” - for safety reasons.

“What people cannot do is fly flags on lampposts or railings or any public property,” said Tony Dyer, adding that Bristol must remain “welcoming, respectful and safe for everyone during the tournament”.

But following England’s first game residents have now erected flags across the length of the road with the St George’s crosses stretching over the street from one house to another.

The street had already attracted national attention after footage emerged showing no flags on display before the tournament began.

The video prompted some social media users to claim it had been generated by artificial intelligence, although local media later confirmed the footage was genuine.

One local said: “Just love seeing this beautiful site. A great community coming together.”

Another added: “For the World Cup, it’s all good. When it’s done to scare and threaten people, it’s another thing.

“There’s nuance and context. Supporting the football team and being a flag shagger are two different things.”

But not everyone shared the enthusiasm.

Writing on X, former Bristol mayor George Ferguson called the scene “chilling”.

Ferguson said: “It’s not true patriotism but a deliberate intimidation of minorities. Our national flag has, under the guise of supporting England, been captured by those seeking to spread fear.”

And another local agreed, adding: "I am British. I am not proud of it. I hate the flags and the racist connotations involved. It's horrendous."

A third added: "Sadly that just makes me feel on edge."

Bristol City Council has been approached for a comment.