Councillors in Royton have said they are “shocked” after a flagpole with the Union Jack was removed from Dogford Park and are campaigning for its reinstatement.

The flagpole was installed in May ahead of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations with the help of Oldham council’s Environmental Services Department but was removed on Monday, June 6, the day after the festivities, amid safety concerns.

Royton North councillors Lewis Quigg and Dave Arnott are now demanding a copy of the safety report regarding the flagpole from Oldham Council and a “full explanation as to how the decision to remove it came about”.

Reacting to the flagpole’s sudden removal, Cllr Arnott said: “I was shocked to say the least. I could see no issue whatsoever, and this was confirmed by the contractor who has over 30 years of experience installing and maintaining flagpoles in and around the borough. Equally surprised is the chairman of the Friends of Dogford Park who is at a loss to understand the council’s action.”

He added: “Not only will Cllr Quigg and myself campaign for the reinstatement of the flagpole, we will continue to press for a full explanation as to how the decision to remove it came about, and at what cost to the taxpayer.”

A spokesperson from Oldham Council said the local authority did not want to comment further on the matter.