Birmingham applies for injunction over “unauthorised attachments” including flags on highways

The local authority said: “The installation and then reinstallation of flags, does have an impact on the public and we have witnessed incidents that have involved harassment, intimidation or obstruction during removal activity."

It insisted that its approach was not directed at any particular community, belief or viewpoint. “It is focused on lawful highway management, public safety, the protection of staff and contractors, community cohesion and the responsible use of public funds."

Community engagement will continue alongside the legal process, the council said.

Cllr Jane Baston, Birmingham's Cabinet Member for Equalities Communities and Social Justice, said: “The council is taking a lawful, proportionate and evidence-led approach to unauthorised attachments on the highway. This includes pursuing injunctive action based on the evidence gathered to date.

"Our priority is to protect public safety, staff and contractor welfare, community cohesion and the responsible use of public funds. We ask residents and community groups to support this approach and to ensure any displays are placed only where permission exists.”

In June Oxfordshire County Council secured a High Court injunction preventing the unauthorised placement of flags on highway infrastructure across the county.

Earlier this month Mr Justice Dias published the reasons for granting the county's application, saying that there was "little prospect absent an injunction" that the activity would stop.