Erin's family forced to take down flags at Colchester home

Erin Sadler had an incredible love for life and became an inspiration to thousands of people in and around Colchester. 

Sadly, Erin died, aged just nine,  in December 2022, after a life-long battle with blood, kidney, liver and heart disease. 

Mum Helen fought hard to keep her beloved daughter’s memory alive while raising vital funds for the Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity. 

Joy - Erin had an incredible zest for life (Image: Newsquest)

Touching many lives with her incredible zest for life, Erin inspired vicars across the country to wear sparking dog collars. 

In her memory, the family also had flags with images of Erin flying at the Helen’s father’s home in Ipswich Road. 

But Helen says the family were visited by two men who told her father Colchester Council had received a complaint about the flags. 

Helen contacted the council and got in touch with the complainants, after which she took down the flags from one pole, leaving two others. 

Family - Erin pictured with mum Helen (Image: Newsquest)

She said: “I thought that was problem solved. I foolishly was of the impression that by reducing the flag poles from three to two and by rectifying the issue that caused the complaint we were complying with Colchester Council’s request.

"It turns out I was wrong.” 

The family received another letter last Wednesday (July 31), threatening enforcement action against the flags so they contacted the council again, asking what they needed to do. 

Helen said: “It was today’s response that floored me. The issue is Erin’s flags - the flags of my beautiful, precious daughter.

"It felt personal and disrespectful to her and all because they are unauthorised by the government/council they are considered to be advertisements and need advertisement consent. 

Flags - The family has been forced to take down the flags in Erin's memory (Image: Helen Sadler)

“So if I want to continue flying flags with Erin on I either break the law or go down the council portal route which entails a financial charge and no guarantee of approval. I’m gutted.” 

The prospect of costs and the possibility of a refusal in the planning process has devastated the family. 

“I feel that an image of my own child on private property should not even be open to discussion - she’s my little girl,” said Helen. 

“I really feel I’d be letting her down by taking them down, but the alternative is that my father, as the home owner, could have the consequences directed at him. This is an unfair and unnecessary situation to be put in.” 

'We must follow the law'

A Colchester Council spokesman said: “We understand that this is a deeply upsetting situation for Mrs Sadler and her family, and we offer our sincere condolences for their loss.

"We appreciate the importance of the flags to them as a memorial to their daughter. 

“Unfortunately, the regulations governing the display of flags are clear and inflexible. While we understand the distress this may cause, we must follow the law as it stands.

"The flags in question are considered advertisements under current legislation, and as such, require specific consent from the council. 

“We appreciate that Mr Sadler has already taken steps to reduce the number of flagpoles in an attempt to resolve the issue.

"However, the requirement for consent remains. We understand that this is a difficult and upsetting time for the family, and we encourage Mr Sadler to submit an application for advertisement consent if he wishes to retain the flags. 

“We would like to reiterate our sympathy for the family’s loss and assure you that we are handling this matter with sensitivity. We are committed to working with the family to provide any necessary guidance and support throughout this process.”