Pub told to remove flag - after England win World Cup

A football-crazy licensee has been ordered to remove the huge St George's cross he painted on his listed pub - but not until after England win the World Cup.

Patriotic Philip Taylor painted the flag on the Kings Head in Loddon, Norfolk, to show his support for the team.

Following a complaint council chiefs have told him to remove it but he will have until after the final on July 11 to do so.

He said: "It went up last week and the brush wasn't even dry when someone phoned up the council.

"I was not surprised to get the letter. I think the council has been very fair to give me an eight week deadline by which time the World Cup is over."

And while South Norfolk Council officials warned Philip he could face prosecution if he fails to take action, a spokesman also added: "It is clear from the eight week deadline given to the Kings Head that this council strongly believes England will make the final this time."

And the spirit of goodwill from authorities is also evident in Selby, North Yorkshire.

A Facebook group had been started amid fears that police were intent on banning pubs displaying flags during the tournament.

But police Inspector Richard Abbott scotched the rumours.

"Our message is 'have a great time, keep the peace, drink sensibly and if you want to fly the flag, go ahead and fly it'," he said.

The news follows several councils taking hardline approaches to pubs during the World Cup.

West Midlands Police have issued guidelines urging pubs to ensure doorstaff are in place for England games, that CCTV is fully operation and that in some instances glasses should be replaced with polycarbonates. However a spokesman added that similar rumours of a flag ban were also off target

Licensees in Croydon and Ascot have received similar advice from the authorities.