TOWN council staff members have removed the controversial St George’s flag display at The Basins, in Wellington, siting environmental concerns.

The flag display was placed on the duck platform by a member of the public last year as part of the social media-driven campaign ‘Operation Raise the Colours’. The subsequent removal of flags raised during this campaign has been a divisive topic locally.

In September 2025, a volunteer at The Basins was confronted by a man who claimed to have erected the flag on the duck platform. He reportedly shouted threatening, foul mouthed and racist abuse at the volunteer after the structure was taken down.

The following day a scaffold structure was reportedly back up with barbed wire wrapped around the bottom.

The owner of the ponds had previously indicated support for its removal, but no action had been taken to remove it.

Following an assessment of the site, the council determined that intervention was necessary in order to protect both the environment and local wildlife.

A council spokesperson said: “We took the decision to remove the structure because it posed a potential risk to wildlife and could compromise the integrity of the pond floor. As we move into spring and the nesting season, it is vital that swans and other birds using the ponds are not put at risk.

“In addition, the size and industrial appearance of the scaffolding construction was not compatible with the natural beauty of the area. Also having removed it the poles supporting the structure were deeply embedded in the floor of the pond which could have affected the structural integrity of the pond and damaged its ecology.”

The council says it “recognises that many residents value the flying of national flags and the pride they represent. Equally, others have expressed concern about the impact of the scaffolding structure on a sensitive natural space.”

The spokesperson continued: “This decision is not about the flying of flags themselves, but about the structure and its location. We are committed to ensuring that expressions of civic pride are respectful of their surroundings and do not harm local habitats.”

The council thanked residents for their understanding as it works to preserve both the character of The Basins and the wellbeing of the wildlife that rely on it.

In response, the council has confirmed it will be reinstating the flagpole on the front of the council offices within the coming weeks where the Union flag and the flag of St George will be “proudly flown throughout the year as appropriate”.