Erin's flags allowed to fly again at Colchester home

Erin Sadler’s mother Helen was left devastated after receiving a letter from Colchester Council, saying she had to take down flags at her father’s home in Ipswich Road. 

Erin was a true source of inspiration with her love for live, despite the many challenges she faced before sadly passing away at the age of nine. 

The family was left heartbroken after learning complaints had been made and that the flags did not comply with national and council rules. 

But Helen says the planning bosses at the council have now found a solution. 

Family - Helen and Erin (Image: Newsquest)

She said: “The outcome is that Erin’s Memorial Flags have been re-categorised as ‘exempt’ for our household.  

“The compromise for us, that to meet the requirements of the government policy is reduce the number of standing flags poles from two to one, which I have agreed to implement in the next 14 days.  

“The most important matter was for Erin’s flags to remain.

"Although a huge amount of tears were shed in this household this weekend I’m going to try a do what Erin always did, focus on the silver lining which is without doubt the affection, admiration and community spirit that she can still raise in the amazing people of Colchester.  

“I cannot thank you enough for the support that you have shown us, you truly are all wonderful and without your support this all would have been so much harder.  

“Collectively we got to keep Erin’s Flags flying.” 

Flags - The family is allowed to keep the flags flying (Image: Helen Sadler)

A spokesperson for Colchester Council said: “We understand that this has been a distressing time for Mrs Sadler and her family, and we offer our sincere condolences for their loss. 

“We are pleased to confirm that we have found a solution to this matter. The flags commemorating Mrs Sadler’s daughter will be treated as a memorial and therefore exempt from the usual advertisement regulations. 

“Regarding the national flags, we can confirm that the property is permitted to erect a single flagpole on the property frontage and a second on the building itself to fly a maximum of two national flags without requiring further permission. We have consequently asked the family to consider how they wish to proceed. As there are currently four flags and multiple poles, this number will need to be reduced to two. 

“We are pleased to have reached a resolution that respects the family’s wishes while adhering to the necessary regulations.”