A FOOTIE fan was ordered by council bosses to stop flying the union flag on his balcony – because it was “offensive” to his neighbours.
David Gilley, 31, received a letter warning he could be breaching his tenancy contract unless he took down the patriotic banner.
David Gilley received a letter warning he could be breaching his tenancy contract unless he took down the patriotic banner Credit: X
The Labour-run Southwark Council has now admitted they were wrong to send the warning Credit: X
The letter from a housing officer from -run Southwark Council, in London, was sent just days before St George’s Day.
Mr Gilley told The Sun on Sunday: “I got a letter from the council saying someone had complained that the flag was intimidating.
“But I am not taking the flag down. It is crazy. It was – it is just disrespectful.
“It is on my own balcony and not doing any harm.”
The footie fan said most of his neighbours have no problem with the flag and that he plans to put more up when the kicks off next month.
He added: “The letter was threatening. They mentioned my tenancy contract so I was worried they could kick me out over it.”
Lib Dem councillor Victor Chamberlain blasted the council over the row. He tweeted: “How absurd!
“We celebrate Southwark’s diversity. The Union Flag is for everyone & people should be free to be patriotic.”
Southwark council said they were wrong and apologised for the error after got in touch.
A spokesman said: “We support the freedom of residents who wish to display the Union flag. for example is well-known for its Union and St George’s flags.
“This letter was not authorised and doesn’t reflect our position.
“We’ve reviewed the matter, apologised to our tenant and confirmed he does not need to remove the flag.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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