A slew of councils have banned England flags from being hung on public property during the World Cup to protect "community cohesion". Bristol City Council (BCC), South Gloucestershire Council and Wiltshire Council's warning comes ahead of the start of the tournament in North America this evening - and just days before England's first match.BCC leader Tony Dyer has urged residents to avoid hoisting St George's Cross in any publicly-owned spaces. He said: "What people cannot do is fly flags on lampposts or railings or any public property.TRENDINGStoriesVideosYour Say"Please do not attach anything to lampposts - it causes health and safety issues."The city council vowed to fast-track the removal of flags hung up in "sensitive locations" and said it would reassess its strategy on taking down those on council-owned properties. It also urged Bristolians to report any instances of flags being adorned on public property to the authorities. Mr Dyer said: "By celebrating responsibly and being mindful of others, we can ensure that Bristol remains welcoming, respectful and safe for everyone during the tournament."Bristol's Torrington Avenue was recognised as the most heavily-decorated street in the country during Euro 2016, with England flags seen hung from lamposts, houses and telephone poles as the Three Lions stuttered to a last-16 exit vs Iceland.South Gloucestershire Council issued a similar warning, telling locals to ensure flags were being flown "with consideration for others", and in a safe and lawful manner. A spokesman warned that flags or decorations "displayed without permission on public land or council property" would be taken down. They insisted the rules would ensure the area maintains "a welcoming and cohesive community feel". FLAG CONTROVERSY - READ THE LATEST:Council staff 'threatened, harassed and intimidated' while taking down Union flagsFlag-raisers offer to install free flagpoles on patriots' homes after activists rip banners downWoke backlash erupts against patriotic St George's Cross roundabout in 'multicultural town'South Gloucestershire Council insisted it welcomed the celebration of events like the World Cup, but measures are necessary to "protect public safety, prevent damage to public assets, ensure the highway remains safe and usable for everyone". Meanwhile, Martin Smith from Wiltshire Council said the authoritiy had a responsibility that roads remain "safe, clear and accessible at all times". The councillor said: "We are all willing the England team on to end 60 years of hurt and bring the trophy home."However, we would like to remind residents that placing items such as banners, bunting or flags on or near the public highway - including lampposts, road signs and roundabouts - without permission, can pose safety risks to road users and pedestrians. It can also obstruct visibility."Under the Highways Act 1980, it is illegal to attach anything to structures on the highway without the permission of its authority without a justifiable reason. The items can be removed by authorities under Section 132(2) of the legislation. The warning to West Country residents comes after it emerged that immigration officers were told that wearing England badges during the World Cup could intimidate detained migrants. Staff at detention centres across were warned in a Independent Monitoring Board report that wearing patriotic items may damage professional standards". The report said: On two occasions during the summer, staff at one short-term holding facility were observed wearing England flags affixed to their uniforms.The Board felt this risked perceptions of bias or even intimidation among detained people, especially in the light of recent anti-immigration protests in which flag displays were prominent."The Three Lions are set to start their World Cup campaign next week against Croatia.Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter