OAP is breathing fire after ‘complaint’ about dragons
A PENSIONER feared he might have to take down his Welsh flag and metal dragon following a complaint.
Walter Jones from Crofty in Gower had a visit from a council officer on Wednesday afternoon, saying they had received a complaint.
It was understood to be related to a steel dragon displayed on the front of the house, which measures around 4.5ft wide by 3ft tall.
Mr Jones also feared his large flag might be at risk.
Swansea Council has since said that, having visited the site, it is satisfied no action is required.
But the 68-year-old said he was gobsmacked someone had apparently complained. “How can someone complain about the flag and the emblem of someone’s country?
“It is very insulting really. It is obvious someone doesn’t like the fact I am a proud Welshman.”
He claimed the council employee who visited him measured the flag and the dragon, as well as taking pictures.
Mr Jones said he had displayed a Welsh flag at previous houses he had lived in, and never had any problems.
The flag had been up for a few months, he continued, but the dragon which cost £370 - had only been up for about three weeks.
He added: “The dragon was a Christmas present from my wife.
“It is made out of steel it is a proper job and it was put up by the people that made it.
“I think it looks stunningly beautiful.
“I am not a fanatic or an ultra-nationalist - I am just someone who is proud to be Welsh. To me, it is a great honour.”
Mr Jones said he felt pretty upset after what happened, adding he didn’t understand why it would be a problem when the council itself displayed a Welsh flag outside county hall.
The former bricklayer continued: “I told him [the council employee] I am not going to take them down.
“If the council take me to court, I will go to court there is no way they are going to come down.”
He added: “I am pretty confident I don’t need planning permission - it is not an advert. It is just a display.”
A spokesman for Swansea Council said: “We received a formal complaint, and in all such instances we are required to look into it.
“Having visited the site we are satisfied that no action is required.”