Row over 'racist' St George's Cross painted on pub

Patriotic landlord says he is an England sports fan and not anti-migrant’

- BY CHRIS SAMUEL

A GIANT St George's Cross painted on the front of a pub by a patriotic landlord is a "racist symbol" that is making people feel uncomfortable, it has been claimed.

Jerry Kunkler has been accused of sending out an anti-migrant message on the facade of the Moonrakers Inn in Pewsey, Wilts.

The publican initially painted the 20ft by 20ft cross as a show of support for the England football team for the 2016 European Championships. It was later whitewashed during a refurb but he repainted it for the 2022 World Cup.

Then last November the local council received a complaint, believed to have been made by a visitor from London staying in the village. The complaint is reported to have stated that the 17th century pub looked like "the headquarters of the National Front".

Because it is a Grade II-listed building, Wiltshire council told Mr Kunkler to return the exterior to its former state or apply for planning permission.