The flags of St George and the Union have appeared in droves across lamp-posts and buildings throughout neighbourhoods in parts of Birmingham in what locals are calling 'a patriotic outpouring'.

The sudden emergence of the flags - initially in Weoley Castle before spreading to other sections of Northfield including Bartley Green, Selly Oak and Frankley Great Park - has sparked a heated debate.

Several residents have voiced their support and have begun displaying their own flags, requesting their roads be included next, or contributing to a GoFundMe campaign to buy additional ones.

The overwhelming majority of responses on the Weoley Castle Community Facebook page supported the initiative. "We all like the flags. They brighten up the area and they're not offensive in the slightest," one local said.

However, the campaign has also generated worry and distrust amongst allegations that those behind it are politically driven and are attempting to create division between white British locals and other communities.

The area is expected to be targeted by Reform and independent candidates in next year's local elections, Birmingham Live reports.

Local resident Nazia Ahmed said she acknowledged the pride many felt in the flag, adding: "But for others, especially minorities like myself, it's become harder to separate that pride from the undertone of nationalism that sometimes comes with it.

"I'm not against people celebrating their identity or showing support during national events. But I think we all have a responsibility to understand how those actions are perceived by others-especially in a city as beautifully multicultural as Birmingham.

"We're lucky to live in a place where so many cultures, languages, and communities come together. That should be something we protect, not divide."

One person who is responsible for putting up the flags, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed their frustration today. "This country is a disgrace and has no backbone," they declared.

"This isn't racism, it's frustration at being pushed into a corner and silenced."

Birmingham City Council has announced plans to remove 'unauthorised attachments' from lamp-posts as part of a scheme to enhance street lighting in the city, arguing that those erecting them are endangering themselves and others.

However, they've refrained from orchestrating a large-scale removal. It's understood there are concerns that any 'removals' could incite protest.

Jeremy Duthie, a West Bromwich Albion supporter from Weoley Castle, declared the flags had been 'a breath of fresh air and have demonstrably lifted spirits. ' He continued: "My personal opinion is that anyone who has a problem with our national flag being flown is living in the wrong country and should maybe consider living in the country represented by whatever flag they prefer to see flying."

Local resident Hayley Owens, 40, a former West Midlands Police officer turned podcaster and spin class instructor agreed.

"I think people have had enough of what is going on in this country. We are sick of having to apologise for being British. The flags have had such a positive impact on the community, people love them. There is nothing political about it."

When questioned whether she acknowledged concerns about a racist element to the display, she responded: "I disagree entirely. People are choosing to live here, in England, and should be proud of that. The flags are not aimed at anyone in a negative way. If people are unhappy, that is fine, they can sit with their feelings, but I do not see how the presence of flags could cause distress."

She warned the council would encounter 'a real battle' if it decided to remove the flags. "I think there will be trouble, even riots if they take them down."

Other locals highlighted that Palestinian flags were displayed across sections of East Birmingham as a gesture of solidarity during the Gaza crisis, with many still visible.

Reader Charlie told Birmingham Live: "Let me assure you, I know the guys putting the flags up. There is no ulterior motive other than showing patriotism."

He explained that shopkeepers and fellow residents 'of all backgrounds and religions' back the initiative and 'are smiling and saying thank you' for enhancing the neighbourhood.

"It's a great community thing."

Meanwhile, one contributor to a Weoley Castle Facebook page commented: "Every other country flies their flag with pride but when England/British do it, it's got to be for racist reasons. Why shouldn't we proud of England? It's the country we live in. Those who have issue with it should leave England and go dictate to the next country that they shouldn't fly their flag either."

However, some expressed unease about the 'agenda' of those responsible for the flags.

'K' reached out to tell us: "I find the people who support them are Reform UK voters and those who want to make a statement that Weoley Castle is for white English only...they want to make people feel unwelcome and uncomfortable.

"It's not the flags themselves that are the issue - it's the motives of the people doing it."

They concluded: "It's a shame people can't just live together without hatred."

Alex Clarke, a radiographer and Weoley Castle resident, expressed his unease about the widespread display of flags throughout the area.

"There is increasing division in our city and this won't help. I think they should come down. If they were up for a celebratory reason or a specific event that is great, but it feels like this is a way of marking out territory."

He voiced concerns about potential connections to demonstrations outside asylum accommodation and anti-immigration feelings.

"We don't need flags to improve our community; if people want to improve things they could take positive steps to help each other."

Another local, who requested anonymity, revealed their discomfort with the situation.

"I feel really uncomfortable because as the flags grow in number it feels like Weoley Castle has become a place that is full of people who don't welcome people of other heritages."

Councillor Simon Morrall, representing Frankley Great Park on the city council, characterised the movement as 'a clearly peaceful movement' that 'residents love'.

He has contacted council leadership proposing an 'amnesty' on flag removal until month's end at minimum.

He continued: "When the city council can't fix potholes, are closing down youth centres and selling off assets, all while fly tipping piles up in our community and graffiti is out of control, then finding resource to remove Union flags sends the wrong message."

Reform UK's Northfield faction has lauded the efforts and urged supporters to back the Weoley Warriors, a gofundme group soliciting donations. They have so far amassed over £1,800.

The group describes themselves as "a group of proud Englishmen with a common goal, to show Birmingham and the rest of the country of how proud we are of our history, freedoms and achievements, giving hope to local communities that all isn't lost and they are not alone. "