A DISPUTE has broken out between an Evesham vicar and Wychavon District Council over the flying of a flag depicting Jesus Christ.

The Rev Mark Binney, rector at St Andrew’s Church, has been told he needs to apply for planning permission if he wants to fly a flag “advertising Christianity” in future.

The flag was put up outside St Andrew’s Church in Hampton in the week preceding Easter Sunday displaying the words “This is Holy Week” and an image of Jesus on the cross.

Wychavon District Council took the action after receiving a complaint from a member of the public.

The Rev Mark Binney described the decision as “appalling”.

He said: “What do you expect to see outside a church? Everyone who hears about it seems to think it’s ridiculous.

“You see blatant advertising everywhere, especially at election time, where lots of people are completely flouting the law.

“But we can’t display a flag for one week – the most holy week of the Christian year.”

Mr Binney added he felt the move was part of a gradual erosion of Christianity in the UK.

Graeme Duerden, development control manager for enforcement at Wychavon, said: “We did receive a complaint from a member of the public regarding the flying of a flag advertisement at the church.

“We investigated the complaint and decided that the flag was fine and that no consent was required. We have contacted the complainant and the church to advise of this and provided some advice on flags to the Reverend.”