By Ellie Gosley

Copyright walesonline

A Welsh council has issued a statement condemning individuals who have placed Welsh flags on its facilities without permission. It says it does not support such actions and describes Y Ddraig Goch as a “symbol of unity and pride and not division”. It comes as flags are being put up across the UK amid rising tensions over immigration. While both the Welsh and Union flag are viewed by many as a symbol of respect, patriotism, others see recent actions as provocative. Pembrey and Burry Port council issued the following statement in light of “unauthorised” flags being put up in the Carmarthenshire town: “This council is proud to fly the Welsh flag and continuously does so on its public buildings and facilities. “However it does not support individuals or organisations who place flags on town council facilities without permission or in a way that puts personal safety at risk in order to sanitise their cause. “The Welsh flag is a symbol of unity and pride and not division.” Photos shared on social media showed a number of Welsh flags had been placed on lampposts around Pembrey. Pembrey and Burry Port town council is not the first Welsh council to take action after flags were put up in their area. Anglesey council was accused of being a “joke” for taking down flags from the Holyhead and Valley area while Denbighshire council was branded “a disgrace” after banners were brought down in Rhyl. The post from the town council received a mix response on Facebook . Stay informed on Carms news by signing up to our newsletter here . One person described the council’s statement as “shameful”, writing: “Why would a national flag be a symbol of division? Regardless of where its hung. Shameful comment.” Another person felt similarly, commenting: “You pulling it down is dividing. You’re finding anything, scraping the bottom of the barrel to clamber at any excuse you can find to quash the movement.” However there were others who said they liked seeing the Welsh flag flown in their town but agreed with the council’s decision to take them down because it was a symbol being “abused” by a minority. One wrote: “Unfortunately, some yobs have politicised our flag for their own hateful agenda. Shame on them.” Another said: “The Welsh flag, the Welsh culture, this land of song, compassion and care, the Welsh hiraeth, are all being abused by a minority who think they can fool the peace loving majority into accepting it as a symbol of pride in peace – whilst promoting it themselves as symbol of hostility and hate.” Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here . We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice .