PATRONS at a Horwich pub have been reassured that its military flags will not be taken down.

 

Regulars at the Saddle, in Lee Lane, had feared that 18 regimental flags displayed in the pub were to be removed, after rumours circulated that a complaint had been made about them.

 

But the pub’s owners, Amber Taverns, say that the flags will simply be moved to one dedicated area of the pub — and denied that the decision was made after a complaint.

 

Many of the pub’s patrons are ex-servicemen and women and, last week, the Saddle raised £440 for Help for Heroes with a 1940s-themed party.

 

An Amber Taverns spokesman said: “Throughout the year The Saddle and its customers continue to raise money for The Poppy Appeal through collection boxes situated within the pub.

 

“As part of last weekend’s celebrations military flags decorated various areas of the pub.

 

“This was an excellent event which was widely enjoyed by customers who attended on the day.

 

“You can see posts from the event on our Facebook page by going to facebook.com/Saddlehorwich

 

“There is a dedicated area within the pub where flags will continue to be displayed.

 

“We will continue to support our operator both in the way that she chooses to display military flags and in how she presents the pub in order to meet the needs of her business.

 

“We hope this clarifies any confusion surrounding the repositioning of flags. The Saddle is very clearly a community-driven pub that takes immense pride in supporting our troops.”