A man is expressing frustration after receiving a bill of nearly £3,000 for displaying Union and St George’s flags. Will Haylett, aged 43, contends that he was aiming to boost morale by using his company’s cherry picker to hang numerous flags on lampposts in Scarborough, North Yorkshire.
Despite his intentions, he was invoiced £2,785.50 by North Yorkshire Council for removing the flags and charging for their retrieval due to some complaints received about the flags. In a letter to Will’s firm, Squeeky Clean, the council stated that 64 flags were removed and could be returned at a cost of £36.27 per flag plus VAT, totaling the bill. Will expressed surprise and dissatisfaction with the council’s actions.
To resolve the issue, he offered to donate to a veterans charity instead of paying the bill, which the council accepted. Will explained that he installed the flags to uplift the community’s spirits, observing locals feeling down over the years. He emphasized his desire to unite people and bring smiles to their faces through the flag display.
Being in the exterior cleaning and maintenance business for over a decade, Will mentioned engaging in discussions with the council before the invoice was issued. He disputed the council’s claim that the lampposts belonged solely to them, highlighting the disagreements over flag installations.
North Yorkshire Council highlighted that attaching flags to lampposts without permission is a violation and poses safety risks. Karl Battersby, the council’s corporate director of environment, emphasized the safety concerns and public complaints that led to the removal of the flags. The council stated that they would not provide further comments on the matter.
