One of the crossings targeted by vandals in Frome recently — One of the crossings targeted by vandals in Frome

Frome pedestrian crossing vandalised by ‘patriots’ – who then dumped paint in a hedgerow

Paul JonesAugust 22, 20250 Comment0

THE painting of St George’s flags on white surfaces has become something of a trend across the UK – and has now reached Somerset.

While most would simply fly a flag, others have taken to daubing red paint in a cross on locations such as roundabouts, and in Frome – on pedestrian crossings.

It is understood crossings near Selwood School and near Frome Community Hospital have been targeted by ‘patriotic’ vandals, some time overnight between Thursday (August 21) and this morning.

Defacing road markings is illegal under the Highways Act and people caught doing it could face prosecution.

And to add insult to injury, as well as defacing crossings in Frome, the ‘patriots’ appear to have dumped their paint in a nearby hedgerow after the vandalism – another potential offence.

A spokesperson for Somerset Council said: “We understand that some residents may want to show a feeling of national pride and they are welcome to do so.

“However, people should not paint public property without permission. This is particularly important on areas around the public highway, where flags or markings could pose a safety risk to road users. Removal has to be paid for from the public purse.

“The crossing in Frome is being inspected before remedial work is undertaken.

“We would ask people not to put flags or paint symbols on public roads or roundabouts. Defacing road markings in any form is an offence under the Highways Act 1980. It can affect visibility, distract drivers, and increase the risk of accidents for both road users and pedestrians.”

They urged anyone who sees vandalism or damage to Somerset roads to report it via somerset.gov.uk/roads-travel-and-parking/report-a-problem-on-the-road.