The man said he dialled 999 as advised by the council, but no police turned up during the time he was trying to manoeuvre his van out of the cul-de-sac.

He said: “We tried to get away and they stood in front of the van and they wouldn’t let us turn round.

“Then this other woman came and battered the wing mirror and broke it.”

The contractor said he was left shaken by the incident.

“It was very very hostile. I don’t know how they got my email address.”

Falkirk Council said it was aware of the incident.

A spokesperson said. “Threatening or intimidating behaviour towards workers is unacceptable, and the matter has been reported to Police Scotland.”

Police Scotland said it had received a report of the disturbance at about 11:20 on Friday.

A spokesperson said: “No injuries were reported. No complaint was made, and suitable advice was given. No further police action is required.”

Saltire flags have been erected at locations across Scotland in recent weeks, and this has been linked to anti-immigration sentiment.

Two weeks ago Aberdeenshire Council suspended the removal of Saltires from lamp posts in Peterhead after workers were threatened.

The Saltires in Peterhead are still in place.