Pub told to remove England flag after complaint said it looks like ‘National Front HQ’

A landlord who sparked controversy after painting a St George’s Cross on the outside of his pub has been told to remove it.

Moonrakers Inn owner Jerry Kunkler first painted the red cross on the exterior in 2016, eventually repainting it in 2022 for the World Cup in the Middle East after COVID.

But in 2025, a local complained it looked like ‘the headquarters of the National Front’, prompting Wiltshire Council to launch an investigation into the paint job.

Kunkler, who has run the Moonrakers Inn in Pewsey since 1981, was told he was in a breach of planning legislation. Despite submitting a retrospective application for planning consent, it’s been ruled that he has to paint over the flag.

Wiltshire Council planning officers are recommending the red cross should be covered as it is ‘out of keeping’ with the village Conservation Area.

Kunkler, who is also Wiltshire’s longest-standing councillor, will not be able to speak at a meeting about the matter, but a statement will be read on his behalf.

Planning officer Pippa Card says that under the 1990 planning rules, ‘special regard be given to the desirability of preserving listed buildings, their settings or any features of special architectural or historic interest which they possess.’

She added: ‘After consideration of all representations, planning policy and material considerations, the application is considered to be inappropriate, and is recommended for refusal.

‘Whilst the reasons behind the redecoration are understood, it is considered that this could be achieved in a way where the architectural qualities of the elevation are retained undistracted by decoration that is not characteristic of the area.’

Ms Card recommended ‘less visually damaging ways’ of showing the decor, such as a flag or bunting.

The 17th-century inn is described as ‘a fine example of the local vernacular architecture,’ which was ‘re-fronted in the early 19th century to the Georgian fashion of the time, so essentially ‘gentrified’ to raise its aesthetic and formal status within the street scene.’

The report says 12 public representations have been made, with six people in favour of the decoration, four against, and two having mixed views.

Those in favour of the decor say that it adds colour to the High Street, demonstrates pride in heritage, loyalty to country and support of English sports teams.

Objectors say the red cross detracts from the façade of the building and the wider conservation area, lowers the tone of the area, and ‘presumes association’ with other organisations.

Those who hold mixed views say the red cross could be painted out after sporting events are over, and suggest that flags could be flown from poles. They show concerns over perceptions beyond support of English teams and the national flag being taken out of context, as well as concerns over political messaging beyond the village.

Councillors are being asked to force their colleague to paint over the red stripes on his white-fronted pub. If he does not comply, officers are recommending that enforcement action be taken against him.

This means he could face criminal prosecution if he does not comply with the council’s decision.

Kunkler said previously: ‘We painted it for the first time in 2016 for the Euros. In 2022, we painted it up again for the World Cup in Saudi Arabia because I am patriotic. I thought I was going to bring the support here – it is a sports bar.

‘There has been all this hoo-ha about St George’s Crosses flying around the United Kingdom. But because of the length of time this has been out there, it has never had anything to do with that.’

Responding to the complaint from the local, Kunkler added: ‘I have always run a family pub. I have been here 44 years, always promoting it as a family-friendly pub, all-inclusive. But it is an English supporting club. I have always been an England fan. I go to Six Nations games, and we always promote them.’

The decision rests with councillors who will meet in Devizes on Thursday, April 16, to determine the matter.

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