Confederate flag removed from Hastings seafront

The flag – which is associated with the American Civil War – was first spotted at the Hastings Motor Boat and Yacht Club, in Rock-a-Nore Road, Hastings, on Monday evening (January 18) when it was reported to police.

The person who spotted it – and asked not to be identified – said she was ‘disgusted and shocked’ to see a ‘representation of hatred, slavery and white supremacy’ displayed in Hastings, particularly on what was Martin Luther King Day (January 18) which is observed every third Monday in January to honour the former civil rights activist.

On Thursday, James Bacon, councillor for Old Hastings, said the flag was removed on Wednesday (January 20).

He added: “Thank you to the local residents for making me aware of the confederate flag which was flying in Rock-a-Nore the other day.

“After work from our officers and Hastings Police, this was removed yesterday.

“This flag and its connotations has no place in our tolerant, inclusive and multicultural town.”

The flag spotting came two days before Joe Biden was inaugurated as the 46th President of the United States and less than two weeks after a number of rioters were seen carrying the Confederate flag in Washington DC. Supporters of Donald Trump descended on the capital while members of Congress formalised Mr Biden’s win in November’s election. One of the rioters was photographed carrying the Confederate flag through the US Capitol and has since been arrested.

Hastings Borough Council said it was aware of the flag on Hastings seafront and had been ‘in touch’ with the Hastings Motor Boat and Yacht Club ‘asking them to contact the boat owner and remove the flag’.

Sussex Police attended the premises on Tuesday morning after receiving a report that the flag was causing offence to other members of the public, but said no crime had been identified.

On Tuesday (January 19), Sussex Police said: “Police were contacted by a member of the public on Monday (January 18) who wanted to report a flag being flown at a premises on Rock-a-Nore Road, Hastings. The report stated the flag was causing offence to other members of the public.

“Officers have looked into the matter and while no crime has been identified, efforts are ongoing to engage with the occupants of the building to advise them of the concerns from the public.”