Pub Landlord Wins Flag Battle

0:00On April 17th, a pub landlord in Wiltshire just won a close battle to keep his giant sane George's cross painted on the front of his historic inn. Jerry Conkler put it up ten years ago on the moon rakers in Pusy to cheer for England in the World Cup, but one complaint kicked off a big hassle. With the local council, the place is a grade two listed building from the 17th century, so when a visitor from London gripe last year, calling it the headquarters of A, far right group, Conkler had to apply for official permission. No problems for years, even after a touch up in 2022, until this sparked an investigation. Local split on it, six back to flag, four objected saying it loved racist or anti-migrant, and planners urged rejection because it clashed with. The village's old school vibe. One counselor even cited polls showing some, see the cross that way, but Conkler, a 45-year vet behind the bar, pushed back hard. In a surprise twist this week, the committee voted five to three to approve it, ignoring

1:01the expert's advice. Conkler couldn't speak at the meeting since he's a war counselor, but he argued flags on brackets would damage the walls more than paint. Now the cross stays up for St. George's Day next week, the World Cup, and more, keeping that patriotic spirit alive without harming the buildings. Unproof community votes can flip the script on small gripes.