A 41-year-old dad from Sutton-in-Ashfield has taken the extraordinary step of painting a giant Union Jack on the front of his house. The move, Simon Brocklehurst claims, has made him “public enemy number one”.
The Nottinghamshire local was cheered by the “really supportive” other residents, but also received plenty of negative comments from people online after he took the initial step of painting a Cross of St George on his house. Media coverage of his radical redecoration prompted “Facebook warriors” to condemn his decision, he claims.
He told Nottinghamshire Live: “Online, the reaction hasn’t been so good. I’ve only had two negative comments in real life, but I’ve had quite a lot of abuse online.
“I’m public enemy number one. Like I say, I haven’t really got any bad comments from people here, but Facebook warriors have been. My neighbours have been really supportive.
“I get all the comments about decreasing the property value. If I did want to sell the house, it’s only a lick of paint. I think they are being dramatic.
“I didn’t rush it; I spent around six hours a day for three days. I’ve had the flag people come round asking if they can help put bunting up in front of the house.”
Simon talked about why he had chosen to protest by painting the house as opposed to joining some of the protests taking place up and down the country this summer. He continued: “Well, they’ve done a really good job down there (The Unite the Kingdom rally on Saturday, September 13), and this is my way to add to that, as I don’t really want to go to a march as such, as it can turn really bad really quickly.
“This is my way of doing a peaceful protest. I didn’t expect to get all the abuse online, but people are entitled to their opinions.”
“I spent around £60 on the paint from B&Q, as I already had the white, so it’s not been too bad. I’m English and my wife is Northern Irish, so it’s a mix.”