COLOURED ribbons were tied to a Burnham bridge in response to the growing number of national flags being flown aroud the country - known as Operation Raise the Colours.
Operation Raise the Colours is a political campaign which started this summer, with the Saint George's Cross and Union Flag being flown in public places.
The campaign began at the same time as anti immigration protests at Epping’s Bell Hotel.
On Sunday, about 45 people in Burnham decorated the Station Road Bridge in Burnham with ribbons.
The move was to reflect values of inclusion and respect, mirroring other actions which took place across the country.
The residents, who are in a group of about 75 members, said they are increasingly concerned about the rapid rise of hostility, divisive language and “worrying levels of vitriol on forums and social media”.
Some signed an open letter urging Burnham Town Council to distance itself from ‘Operation Raise the Colours’.
The residents said they were “deeply disappointed” when the council declined.
Rev Anne Sardeson, the United Reformed Church minister for Burnham, Southminster, Maldon and Danbury, said she was concerned about anti-immigration rhetoric and the forces behind it.
She said: “I have heard too many people say that they feel unsafe in their communities now because of the anger and hatred that is being expressed by some people.
“This includes Burnham.”
Rev Sardeson said national flags can be a wonderful way to celebrate in times of joy and express connection in times of sorrow.
But she added: “The energy behind this current flag flying campaign seems to be one of sending a message that seeks to exclude those who are not seen as belonging under the flags that are currently being flown.
“I do not wish to see Burnham associated with such views and would rather we come together to show we are still the diverse and welcoming community I first encountered when I moved here just over five years ago.”
Residents who took part on Sunday say they hope others will follow and place their own ribbons on the bridge.
A spokesperson for Burnham Town Council said their position was at outlined by the mayor on September 9.
Mayor Douglas Bown said: “The erecting of flags in and around our town recently which may or may not be related to Operation Raise the Colours has not been sanctioned by the town council.
"The council does not hold a specific political agenda. All members have been elected to represent the diverse democratic community that we have here in Burnham and are here to work for the betterment of the town and all that reside in and around its locality.
"We do not have political debate at this level of government. Therefore, I resolve that Burnham on Crouch town council are taking a neutral stance on this matter.”
The spokesperson said they were not aware of the ribbon ceremony or the flags and will remain impartial on both flags and ribbons.
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