Pub goers have set up a petition asking the council to allow a “patriotic” landlord to repaint the St George’s cross on the front of the building.

Landlord Mark Hunter, who owns The Bell pub in Primrose Hill, Kings Langley, was forced to remove the England flag he had painted on the building to mark this year’s St George’s Day in April.

Officials at Three Rivers District Council said that the pub was a listed building, and by painting on it, Mr Hunter had breached planning law.

Karen Hall, from Hemel Hempstead, started the online petition last week and it already has 177 supporters.

She said on the petition website that whilst the pub is a listed building under the Town and Country Planning Act, the act is “open to interpretation” and “very ambiguous”.

She continued: “This Pub is his livelihood and the centre of the community. When the St George’s Cross was painted earlier this year, no complaints were made by the residents.

“The Council has so far offered Mark a chance to put in an application free of charge for this change in appearance, but has said he will be unlikely to get planning permission as having the public house painted this way is likely to offend.”

In response to the petition, Mr Hunter, said: “I am happy that people do still care and are as patriotic as I am. Since the Watford Observer article, people have shown a lot of support for a local business.

“It did take me by surprise at first, but I have received messages of support from not just all over the country, but from around the world too. It’s unbelievable.”

Gary Cropper from Limerick in Ireland wrote in support of the petition: “It's a disgrace that you can't show your flag in your own country.”

Marcus Garcia, from Chesterfield, said: “I've visited this traditional, friendly, English pub a few times and it's great. Keep the flag.”

Bricket Wood resident Daniel Ginder added: “I cannot see how a Red Cross is going to offend anyone. It is a mark of this country, and this country needs to continue its proud heritage.”

Mr Hunter, who is originally from Nottingham, said that only part of the building is from the 17th Century. The front part, which he painted the St George’s cross on, was built as an “add-on” in the 1900s.

He added: “I need to confirm that this is true and if it is, the regulars are encouraging me to put in an application to the council.”