A council has been blasted for washing off red and white painted St George flags to support the Three Lions on two roundabouts after branding them graffiti.
Patriotic supporters painted the emblems in Spondon, Derby, but were aghast when workmen moved in to swill them away.
Local Tory councillor Jerry Pearce said “People have expressed their patriotism by painting these roundabouts.
"If you are going to wipe them off do it at the end of the tournament.
"Why outrage people?”
Residents claimed that the council had taken the action on the grounds of road safety because the flags could distract motorists.
One said “I can’t believe the excuse about distracting drivers.
"Flags are hanging out of houses all over the place but they have not been told to remove them.”
A spokesman for Derby City Council said “We are cheering on the England team in the Euros like many others.
“But we would ask people don’t use graffiti to show their support.
"No matter how well intentioned graffiti is ultimately vandalism.
“As a council we are responsible for keeping the city clean and tidy.”
