Update on Wiltshire flag pub that sparked furious reaction

A decision was due last week on whether Pewsey landlord Jerry Kunkler could keep the emblem on the front of his Pewsey pub - a Grade II listed building in a conservation area.

The Moonrakers Inn made headlines UK-wide in November when a member of the public said the building looked like "the headquarters of the National Front".

Mr Kunkler first painted the flag on his pub in 2016 to show his support for English sports teams.

The publican - who celebrates 45 years behind the bar at 'The Moonies' this year - represented Pewsey as a Kennet District Councillor from 1995 and was elected to Wiltshire Council when the county's district councils were abolished in 2009.

His Wiltshire Council and Conservative Party colleague Paul Oatway, who represents Pewsey Vale West, has asked for the council's Eastern Area Planning Committee - rather than council officers - to make the decision.

This week, Wiltshire Council said the application for listed building consent was still under consideration.

Meanwhile, the application for listed building consent has attracted more than a dozen comments to Wiltshire Council.

The landlord's detractors include Elizabeth Strutt, who has told planners: "The building is both listed and in a conservation area. The reason for listing buildings is to preserve structures that are of special architectural or historic interest.

"This building historically did not have a cross painted on it at the time of listing and it detracts from the nature of the façade.

"I appreciate that Mr Kunkler wants to support the English team during a competition but this cross has been in place for many years and not just for the duration of a contest.

"He could just as easily show his support by installing a flag post and flying the actual flag."

Jayne Manley has told the council: "It is important to acknowledge that the St George’s Cross has, particularly over the last year, become increasingly politically contested, following national campaigns in which the England flag has been removed or explicitly promoted for political purposes.

"As a result, displays that might once have been seen as neutral or celebratory can now carry unintended associations."

Among the publican's supporters are John Ford, who has told the council: "I fully understand that the original painting of this building was carried out without planning permission and should be dealt with accordingly, but this public house is a sports bar and the owner/landlord is passionate about all sporting things English.

"He is also a Conservative Councillor, therefore any thoughts that this could be the headquarters of the National Front are beyond belief."

And Gill Sharpe has told decision-makers: "This is a long-standing and popular piece of art, originally in support of our English team, but latterly seen as demonstrating our proud heritage and loyalty to our country.

"I fully support the application to permit the Cross of St George to remain on the building. It adds personality, colour and character to our High Street."

The 17th-century pub was an inspiration for the award-winning play Jerusalem.

Playwright Jez Butterwoth wrote the West End smash after meeting builder Micky Lay when he lived in Pewsey in the 1990s.

Mr Lay was the inspiration for Johnny 'Rooster' Byron, and the role won Wolf Hall actor Mark Rylance an Olivier Award and a Tony Award.

Mr Lay died in January 2014 after collapsing outside The Moonies as he waited for the pub to open.