Pride flags removed from Newham pavement after repeated vandalism

After several acts of vandalism, Newham Council has made the decision to remove three pride flags displayed on the pavement outside Forest Gate station. The painted flags have instead been replaced with "Pride wraps" on local lampposts.

The flags that showed support for the LGBTQ+ community included a Pride progress flag, a classic rainbow flag, and a trans flag, which were originally installed on Woodgrange Road with the involvement of the LGBTQ+ group, Forest Gayte Pride.

Following five instances of vandalism over the past year, culminating in the flags being covered with white paint in August, the Council chose to address this hate-driven act with the support of local residents and Forest Gayte Pride. Previously, the Metropolitan Police had investigated the attacks as homophobic and transphobic hate crimes.

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A council spokesperson said: "The Council has worked alongside local residents to take a firm stand against hate, removing the vandalised Forest Gate Pride flags, with the support of the community, and replacing them with Pride wraps on lamp columns in the area."

The spokesperson continued: "To celebrate the new flags while reaffirming our collective stand against hate, the local community have organised an event to mark the occasion on Saturday 30 November, bringing everyone together to reflect on the importance of inclusivity and the strength in overcoming intolerance.”

LGBTQ+ hate crimes have risen in London in recent years, with one in five LGBTQ+ people reportedly experiencing harassment or abuse whilst travelling on the London Underground network last year, according to a report by London Travel Watch.

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