By Jamie Brassington

Copyright birminghammail

A roundabout in a town centre has become a battleground between the ‘far right’ and ‘lefties’ after a war on flags erupted. Residents say the community is being torn apart as warring factions plant and then destroy St George’s Cross flags placed on Brownhill’s Jigger Island. Last week, flags flying from the roundabout were taken down, sparking anger among some community members. READ MORE: Red cups and overturned barriers – the scene at nightclub after shooting Get breaking news on BirminghamLive WhatsApp , click the link to join One man on social media labelled the incident “disgusting” and appealed for CCTV footage. Far-right activist Tommy Robinson, also known as Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, also waded into the fray and slammed the removal of the flags. However, it appears even more flags have been installed since then, with residents and businesses expressing support for the display. The appearance of St George’s and Union flags across the country in recent months has sparked debate. Some members of the community argue they show pride and unity, while others believe they are being used for political purposes. A 31-year-old man who was out with his eight-month-old son in Brownhills ‘ High Street and wished to remain anonymous said: “Seeing the flags makes me proud and happy to be English . “There is a line between stupidity and patriotism; it’s very fine and has to be noted, but if you can’t fly the flag in your country, there is something going on. “Racism hasn’t gone, I’m brown, but it’s my own flag, and I love my country. “I’ve travelled worldwide. I’ve watched Greek people raise the Greek flag. I’ve been to Malaysia, and it was the same. “My grandad came over in the 1950s from Jamaica. He had problems. “But he loved the Queen, he doesn’t forget he’s Jamaican and he doesn’t forget what this country has done for him. “I wouldn’t be here (if it wasn’t for that), my son wouldn’t be here. “I’m proud to be English.” He added: “Racists are racists, bigots are bigots and a******s are a******s.” A hot sandwich and newsagent business on the High Street, called R Downes Brownhills Newsagents, displayed a number of St George’s flags inside the premises. Robert Downes Jr, 60, who runs the store, said the flags have remained there since St George’s Day, adding: “We are very patriotic.” Referring to the flags around town, he said: “It’s about the community showing pride and I support the town. “People are happy to see it, they welcome it. I haven’t heard a bad word said. “The older generation is loving it. The younger generation doesn’t get it, they have been brought up in a different time, different circumstances.” A man from Greece, who wished to remain anonymous, and said he’d lived in England for 37 years, said: “Who is against the flag? “There is nothing wrong with displaying the flag. I’m proud of my own country, I’m proud to be Greek.” Facing the scene of flags by the roundabout, he said: “It’s a beautiful picture to me. “I have been living here for 37 years. What I see here is beautiful flags.” Another man, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “It is nice and good to see. It’s about time we started having a bit of pride. I wish everywhere did it.” An 85-year-old man believed the flags were a form of protest against the arrival of small boats and asylum seekers. Meanwhile, Barry Russell, 30, from Brownhills , said he has ordered flags through the post and is planning on hanging them up in the town. He claimed he was told that the right-wing political party ‘Britain First’ had paid for the flags. Mr Russell said he has attended protests, adding: “I can see where they are coming from and where the other side are coming from.” The flags have been installed on the roundabout known as Jigger Island, where the A452 High Street meets A4124 Pelsall Road. Flags had also been installed along the High Street. Less than a mile away, on another roundabout called the Rising Sun Island in Brownhills West, there was also an array of Union and St George’s flags. Others, however, have been more critical of the flags. Taking to social media, one wrote: “This is the roundabout near my house. Just had a guy shout ‘Engerlund’ out of his car window at me. “I said I think the flags are unwelcoming, racist and an eyesore.” Disgust about the ‘true’ meaning behind the flags movement has launched a campaign to show a ‘united front against hate’ across Birmingham . Neighbours of all backgrounds, colours, and faiths are putting up colour posters in a bid to drown out the noise from far-right influencers, who have seen a dramatic rise in recent months. One supporter of the poster campaign said it was great to have a way to display their backing for neighbours feeling intimidated and silenced by anti-migrant and racist commentary.