A massive Union Jack has been draped over a 40ft (12m) statue in a town at war which has become Britain's "flag capital"."

Locals say Jigger Island in Brownhills, West Mids., has become a "battleground" between the "far right" and "lefties" in the ongoing row over flags. "

The town is at war over the display, which also includes hundreds of St George's flags placed around the roundabout and surrounding areas.

The Union Jack was draped from the Tin Man Statue - also known locally as the Black Country's Angel of the North - over the weekend.

But last week, locals ripped down some of the flags before they were put back up by campaigners amid the debate over immigration and asylum hotels.

Far-right activist Tommy Robinson also waded into the fray and blasted the removal of the flags, which were erected by Raise the Colours activists.

Local resident Dominic Blaney, 44, a dad-of-one, said: "It's a bit of an ongoing war around here."

"One group of people have been putting them up, another group takes them down, it's tit for tat and a sad state of affairs really."

"We seem to be the epicentre of this row after the West Midlands has become the flag capital. It really has divided opinion."

Another local Paul Blair, 41, added: "You've got the far right and the lefties all throwing their toys out of the pram about this."

"I think it looks brilliant and we have a proud history but it's the racist undertone that concerns me. I don't like how divided we are becoming as a nation."

One local said: "If flags are going up, we want them to be flown for reasons we are proud of."

"Do not let them be co-opted and degraded to show nationalism and hate."

Another said on the Raise the Colours Facebook group: "Im proud of this nobody can take it away from me."

One person commented: "There's a way to do this, but then there's the way Brownhills does it, we do it epically, well done to the team!!!"

The £70,000 statue was created by sculptor John McKenna and unveiled in 2006, commemorates the town's coal-mining heritage and honours miners' sacrifices.

Its nickname recalls Jack "Jigger" Taylor, a local miner killed in a 1951 roof collapse, after a public naming contest. "

Walsall Council leader, Councillor Mike Bird, said: " Walsall Council prioritises community cohesion and public safety and is adopting a measured approach to recent increases in St George's and Union flags appearing in parts of Walsall."

"The council recognises the positive intention of residents who wish to celebrate national identity, whilst being mindful that others have concerns about safety and inclusivity. "

"We also remind our residents that attachments to lampposts and any other alterations to street furniture can pose hazards to pedestrians, motorists, and maintenance staff."

"Flags may need to be removed as part of routine maintenance as they start to deteriorate, or if they cause an obstruction or pose a risk."

"We will continue to work with our communities to explain safety requirements and explore alternative ways to celebrate our identity. "