The council says flags attached to public infrastructure can fall onto vehicles, obscure road signs and create hazards for drivers, pedestrians and staff dealing with them.
It has cited legislation including the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 and the Highways Act 1980, while insisting its position is not opposition to England’s tournament run.
Flags displayed on public buildings have been described by the council as “an important symbol of national identity, unity, and respect”. Its objection is specifically to fixing items to highway equipment.
That distinction, however, has done little to calm local frustration.
Chris Phillips, 76, who flies a Cross of St George from his bedroom window, said the flags were “causing no harm or offence to anyone”.
Hairdresser Ashley Arnold, 32, questioned the timing, with England now only one victory from the World Cup final. Baker Ian Jones, 59, argued that the council should focus on local concerns such as potholes.
Afsor Chowdhery of the Northwich Muslim Centre also backed residents’ right to show support for the national team, underlining how the display has become part of the area’s match-day atmosphere.
The dispute reflects a recurring tension around major tournaments: supporters see flags as temporary expressions of community, while councils remain responsible for keeping roads and signs safe.
England’s run has clearly intensified emotions. Jude Bellingham’s comeback contribution against Norway helped take the team into the last four, while Argentina’s extra-time victory over Switzerland set up a heavyweight semi-final.
The next test is whether the flags come down before kick-off - and whether England’s performance gives residents an even stronger reason to put them back up.