A pub in Aveley has allegedly been fined for hanging a Union Jack outside.

The landlord of the Old Ship Inn, Kevin, claims that he recieved an £80 fine from Thurrock Council for hanging the UK national flag outside his pub on Aveley High Street, which he claims has been there for three years.

The landlord made this claim on a video published on Facebook by UKIP MEP, and Aveley Councillor, Tim Aker.

Mr Aker said: "Isn't it absurd that we are told time and time again that the Council has got fewer and fewer resources.

"In Aveley, with the scooters going around, with the anti-socialbehaviour, the fly-tipping, this seems to be Thurrock Council's priorities."


UPDATE: 

The council has argued that the reason that the fine was issued was to do with the location of the flag pole rather than the flag itself.

A council spokesman said: “The Council will work with groups to fly flags, as has been demonstrated in other parts of the borough in very recent years. On this occasion, we have had no choice but to ask that the flag pole is removed until the right permissions have been given”.

“There are long-standing regulations regarding flagpoles and flags, which have to be respected. The council have worked with groups before on this very matter, successfully. A flag pole in the street with tyres and cement is not a fit for purpose installation .”