The PSNI deserves encouragement in its efforts to address the problems caused by the display of paramilitary flags across Northern Ireland.
In the past, authorities have often managed to turn a blind eye towards emblems which glorified illegal loyalist and republican groups.
However, over recent weeks, offensive material has been removed by officers in a number of areas.
More than a dozen LVF flags were reported to have been replaced at the busy Nutts Corner roundabout in Co Antrim a matter of hours after they were taken down by police earlier this week.
It is essential that officers react firmly by quickly disposing of the latest display.
If those who erect illegal flags are also charged and brought before the courts with equal swiftness, a strong message will be sent out to the entire community.
A zero tolerance policy should be adopted on this issue throughout the summer months.
Allowing one set of provocative flags to remain encourages extremists from the other side of the divide to take similar action.
Marking out territory in this crude and sectarian way can never be acceptable.
It also gives the completely misleading impression to visitors that paramilitary organisations are effectively in control of entire districts.
Removing flags may require valuable police resources which could well be used in more positive ways, but it remains a vital task.
A tiny minority is trying to impose its will on the wider community through the display of paramilitary symbols.
The vast majority of people would applaud a robust response from the PSNI.
