Council contractor threatened after removing flags in Stenhousemuir

BBCThe contractor was confronted by an indignant group of locals in StenhousemuirA council contractor has been verbally abused and says his cherry-picker was broken as he tried to take away Saltire flags from lampposts in Stenhousemuir.The person, who doesn’t wish to be named, stated he had eliminated six or seven flags from lampposts within the cul-de-sac when he was confronted by a bunch of individuals.He stated that he was despatched an e mail warning him to “keep out our village” following the incident on Friday morning. Falkirk Council stated it was conscious of the incident and had contacted Police Scotland. In a brief video recorded by the contractor, he tells one of many group that he has known as the police.One man, who can also be filming the incident together with his telephone, tells the contractor: “That is theft, there isn’t a crime, you aren’t with the council.” The person stated it was the second incident he had skilled after “being run out of” a housing property close to Falkirk Stadium final week whereas finishing up the identical work. The self-employed businessman was working together with his two grownup grandsons.The contractor was eradicating flags from lampposts within the cul-de-sacHe advised BBC Scotland Information: “The council stated to have any person with you as a result of it is any person’s phrase towards yours in the event you’re by your self. “The council gave us an inventory of places and we did 4 or 5. Then the subsequent factor, a mob got here out of the underside of the highway.”They have been popping out of their bits and items and their dressing robes and slippers.”He stated that one of many group accused him of theft by eradicating the flags.”The man was proper in my face, calling me all kinds of names, he was about six inches away,” he stated.The person was born in Scotland however frolicked rising up in England and has an English accent. He was advised to get again to England. “I am Scottish, however I moved to England after I was younger and got here again in my teenagers”He stated the Saltire flag is nothing to do with you, you are English.”Saltire flags have been flying from lampposts in Aberdeen and different areasThe man stated he dialled 999 as suggested by the council, however no police turned up in the course of the time he was attempting to manoeuvre his van out of the cul-de-sac. He stated: “We tried to get away and so they stood in entrance of the van and so they would not allow us to flip spherical. “Then this different girl got here and battered the wing mirror and broke it.”The contractor stated he was left shaken by the incident.”It was very very hostile. I do not understand how they received my e mail deal with.”Falkirk Council stated it was conscious of the incident. A spokesperson stated. “Threatening or intimidating behaviour in the direction of employees is unacceptable, and the matter has been reported to Police Scotland.”Police Scotland stated it had obtained a report of the disturbance at about 11:20 on Friday. A spokesperson stated: “No accidents have been reported. No criticism was made, and appropriate recommendation was given. No additional police motion is required.”Saltire flags have been erected at places throughout Scotland in latest weeks, and this has been linked to anti-immigration sentiment. Two weeks in the past Aberdeenshire Council suspended the removing of Saltires from lamp posts in Peterhead after employees have been threatened. The Saltires in Peterhead are nonetheless in place.