Graffiti of St George's flag appears around Richmond after similar incidents across the country

In August, red spray paint was found on top of white road markings on Powder Mill Lane, Twickenham, and surrounding roads.

Spotting the vandalism, Twickenham Councillor and Chair of the Transport and Air Quality Services Committee, Alexander Ehmann, expressed his "disgust" on X.

He said: "Let me be clear, I love England and the St George's Cross, but damaging road markings by painting them is the opposite of patriotic.

"It is vandalism that costs local taxpayers and adds risk to road users."

The St George markings and flags in parts of the borough come as the grassroots movement Operation Raise the Colours gains traction in areas such as East London and Birmingham.

This has seen residents put up Union Jack and St George's flags in their communities, which were quickly removed by local councils for "safety reasons".

According to the research group Hope Not Hate, the movement was co-founded by Andrew Currien, also known as Andy Saxon, who has allegedly had links with the English Defence League and Britain First, although the group denies it is a far-right organisation.

Roundabouts in Birmingham were marked with St George's flag recently (credit: SWNS).

A Council spokesperson told Nub News: "Richmond Council is aware of the St George's flag graffiti on road markings in a number of locations across the borough.

"Our teams are working to identify additional locations and coordinate the removal of the graffiti in a timely manner.

"Graffitiing on road markings is a violation of the Highways Act 1980. Richmond Council does not condone this behaviour as it is hazardous for road users and costs taxpayers."

When asked what message he thought the graffiti was sending, Cllr Ehmann said it was not his job to "try and excuse or interpret wilful damage to public facilities".

The St Margarets and North Twickenham cllr added: "The vandalism of road markings is dangerous and draws unnecessarily on the limited resources of the Council to correct them.

"Perhaps those involved would like to do some real civic duty and pay for the clean-up of their actions.

"Anyone needing to top up on patriotic energy is welcome to head down to Whitton High Street where you'll find this Council's fabulous (and legal) crossing emblazoned with St George and his flag.

"Our borough's residents need no lectures from vandals on what it is to be patriotic."

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