Loddon pub repainted after World Cup row

The red card has been given to a patriotic Loddon pub landlord after he painted over a tribute to England football stars.

Philip Taylor of the King's Head caused a World Cup commotion when he painted a St George's flag on the south gable of the listed building in June to show his support for the world cup squad.

Mr Taylor is now feeling like the England team flops after he was ordered to repaint over his colourful eye-catching tribute by South Norfolk Council.

The flag has now been covered with a terracotta paint - along with the whole of the pub's exterior.

Mr Taylor was ordered to paint over the flag as the pub is a listed building and the unauthorised world cup tribute was not in keeping with it.

Mr Taylor was told by the council in June he had to repaint the gable or face prosecution or enforcement action.

Standing by the new look gable Mr Taylor said he would have liked to keep the St George's flag as a further tribute to troops serving in Afghanistan.

He said: 'I am very disappointed. I am as patriotic an Englishman you can meet and I all I wanted to do was show my pride in England.'

In June the council gave Mr Taylor eight weeks to paint over his St George's flag, meaning World Cup fans could still enjoy it during the festival of football.

At the time the council said by granting the eight week period it was clear the authority believed England would get to the World Cup finals - a prediction that was sadly over-optimistic as the team crashed out of the second round against Germany.

Mr Taylor then submitted plans to re-paint the whole of the pub and earlier this month was given three months grace to carry out the work.

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