A council has said a patriotic display of St George's flags is graffiti and must be removed.

The red crosses have been painted across a series of mini-roundabouts in Rainham ahead of England's Euro 2020 semi-final.

Local residents have expressed delight at the return of the paint work, which was last done for the World Cup in 2018.

But Medway Council says the flags, in Maidstone Road and on the A2, must be treated as graffiti and washed off.

Ruth Du-Lieu, assistant director of frontline services at Medway Council, said: “Like most of Medway we’re very excited about tomorrow’s big match and are sending best wishes to the England team.

"However, this display of exuberance is still graffiti, and it will have to be removed.

"We love seeing all the displays but would encourage Medway residents to show their support in other ways, for example, wearing the kit, face painting and flying the flag at home.”

The council was unable to say when the paint would be removed.

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