Following an FOI submitted by former councillor Sean Macleod, East Sussex County Council has revealed that £16,288 was spent removing flags leading up to January 12.
The figure has very likely grown following the appearance and removal of flags in recent weeks, including in Lewes.
Flags were erected on several occasions in Brighton, Seaford, Newhaven and Peacehaven over the summer months but activity has lulled over the winter.
Mr Macleod first submitted an FOI six months ago which revealed the sum was £7,000.
St George and Union Jack flags began appearing across the country over the summer as part of a national movement called “Operation Raise the Colours”.
While claiming to be a celebration of English and British pride, critics believe that the campaign is at least in part an anti-immigration demonstration, with links to the far-right.
Green Party East Sussex County Councillor for Ringmer and Lewes Bridge, Johnny Denis, said: “I’m glad to see that these flags in Lewes have been taken down so quickly. So many people reported these and I’m grateful to East Sussex County Council for removing them.
“I have also been contacted by very many residents to share their dismay at this co-option of public space to sow division.”
ESCC Green Party councillor for Lewes, Wendy Maples, said: ” I was also saddened at the timing of the flags going up in Lewes: on Thursday, as you may be aware, we said goodbye to Maureen Messer, former mayor of Lewes – the only woman to have served two terms – who cared about this town, especially Malling, and for whom the town council was flying our town flag at half-mast. Out of respect for Maureen and her family, I would have liked that to have been the only flag of note on the day.”
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