Council Investigates Pub Painted with St George Cross
Wiltshire Council is considering enforcement action against one of its longest-serving councillors after a St George cross was painted on a listed building without planning permission.
Jerry Kunkler, landlord of the Moonrakers Inn in Pewsey for nearly 45 years, painted the red cross on the exterior of his pub in 2022. The council is now investigating a possible breach of planning regulations.
“I put the cross up in 2022 for the World Cup in the Middle East and nothing’s been said about it until now,”
“This is a sports bar, and I support everything England,” he said. “I’m leaving it up for the Six Nations and the World Cup.”
The investigation began after an anonymous complaint described the pub as resembling “the headquarters of the National Front.” Kunkler dismissed the accusation, saying it was a misunderstanding about flag displays and unrelated to any political movement.
“This is all about the controversy around the flags. This has nothing to do with Operation Raise the Flag,” he said.
Kunkler, a Conservative councillor who joined Kennet District Council in 1995 and Wiltshire Council in 2009, stated he will comply with regulations if required.
“I’m looking at the rules. If the council says I need planning permission, I’ll apply for it.”
This is not the first time he has faced issues with the local planning department.
Author’s summary
The councillor’s decision to display the St George cross on his historic pub has sparked a local planning dispute, raising questions about heritage rules and patriotic expression.
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