"Upsetting, unlawful and costly" St George’s cross graffiti removed from Portsmouth Guildhall by council

The symbol was sprayed on the historic landmark on Wednesday (August 27). Various flags have been hoisted high across the city on lampposts and outside houses, with the St George’s cross also painted on roads.

The local authority has issued a statement after the painting was removed from the Grade II listed building. “Portsmouth City Council is aware of unauthorised St George’s Cross paintings across the city, including on the historic Guildhall, a Grade II listed building,” they said.

“The Guildhall is a civic and cultural landmark of great importance to the city and its residents. Damaging it is upsetting, unlawful and costly to repair. Although the painting has been removed there is still visible damage.”

The council has also responded to flags being flown from lampposts and paintings on roads. They added: “symbols have been painted on roads and roundabouts, which do not comply with national road marking standards which the council has a legal duty to uphold, therefore, any non-standard road markings will be removed to keep road markings compliant.

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“As a council, our buildings that have flagpoles fly the Union Flag, we do not let other people hang flags on our buildings. No action is currently being taken to remove flags hanging from lamp posts or other public infrastructure if they are not causing a hazard.”

The council said residents are free to hang flags responsibly on their own property. Guidance on flying them legally has been issued on the government website.

A Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary spokesperson previously said: “We received a report of criminal damage of graffiti on Portsmouth Guildhall having taken place. An investigation has been launched and enquiries are underway to establish the full circumstances.”