A Biddenham parish councillor called the removal of a flagpole with a Ukrainian flag from the village green “bizarre” and “depressing.”
Jon Gambold noted the pole in Biddenham had been vandalised three times since December 31 2022. He expressed concern for local Ukrainian refugees and mentioned plans to buy a sturdier pole and larger flag for over £1,000. Gambold, also a Conservative councillor, emphasised solidarity with the refugees. After the flag was taken down again in March, he tried to secure it better. Although the flag was temporarily replaced with the union flag for the King’s Coronation, it was removed shortly after. Gambold was shocked by the ongoing vandalism and stated that installing a bigger flag was a necessary statement. Bedfordshire Police are aware of the incidents.