Threats against Aberdeen council workers removing flags branded 'disgraceful'
Council workers have been threatened after removing flags that had been put up over immigration concerns.
Threats against council workers taking down flags have been condemned as “disgraceful and completely unacceptable”.
Aberdeen City Council staff have removed numerous flags from lampposts in the city to make way for Christmas lights, but have been faced with threats from members of the public.
It is understood the flags, including Saltires, were hung up in recent months over immigration concerns.
The council’s political group leaders have now penned a joint statement saying they are “appalled” by the recent incidents workers have faced when trying to hang festive lights and decorations safely.
The statement is signed by the SNP’s Councillor Christian Allard, the Scottish Conservatives’ Councillor Richard Brooks, Scottish Labour’s Councillor M Tauqeer Mailk, and the Scottish Lib Dems’ Councillor Ian Yuill. It urges people to show respect to council workers and report any threatening behaviour to police.
They said: “The installation of Christmas lights is a council-approved initiative designed to bring joy and celebration to residents and visitors alike.
“Our contracted teams are carrying out essential work and deserve to do so in a safe and respectful environment.
“Threatening or obstructive behaviour will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Incidents have been reported to Police Scotland, and enforcement action will be supported where necessary.
“This behaviour is disgraceful and completely unacceptable. Our workers are doing their job to make Aberdeen a brighter, more welcoming city for everyone. They deserve respect and protection, not intimidation.”
The joint statement added: “Threatening behaviour towards workers will not be tolerated. Such incidents have been reported to Police Scotland, and we will continue to work closely with them to ensure the safety of our staff.”
The council has since said it is an offence to put up flags on council property without permission, and that it plans to remove all flags attached to lampposts without the relevant permission.