A PATRIOTIC pub landlady hoping to impress Britain in Bloom judges by flying a St George’s Cross alongside her hanging baskets has been thwarted by planning regulations.

Planning officers told Margaret Cooper, landlady of The Golden Lion Inn at Sedgefield in County Durham that the English flag was a form of advertising and must be removed until planning consent is secured.

The pub has proudly displayed two English flags on several occasions this year, including St George’s Day, Sedgefield Village Veterans’ 1940s weekend and the birth of the Royal baby.

It had planned to bring them out again next week when judges from the Royal Horticultural Society visit Sedgefield, which is a finalist in this year’s Britain in Bloom awards.

However, in a letter specifically referring to the flags, a Durham County Council planning officer stated the “banner/advertisement” should be removed by Monday, August 5, the day before the judges arrive.

Mrs Cooper said the Golden Lion liked to support community events and was baffled by the council’s letter.

“I just can’t believe it really,” she said. “It is just a plain flag with no advertising on it at all. What is it supposed to be advertising?”

Norma Neal, an active member of the Sedgefield in Bloom committee, said she was horrified by the attitude of planning officers.

“The pub has made such wonderful efforts for Britain in Bloom and the flags would have been a lovely patriotic gesture,” she added.

Sedgefield MP Phil Wilson described the situation as “bureaucracy gone mad” and said the council should have handled it more sensitively.

Stuart Timmiss, Durham County Council’s head of planning and assets, said the authority had written to five pubs in Sedgefield following complaints about advertisements displayed outside.

“As Sedgefield is a conservation area, the national planning legislation includes flags within these criteria,” he said.

“Until recently, The Golden Lion had other adverts as well as flags and we see this as an opportunity to resolve the position going forward.

“I am extremely confident that we can come to a solution with the landlord and that the flags can continue to fly from the Golden Lion and we welcome the opportunity to sit down and sort this out.”