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But following a complaint by one neighbour on his estate, he says that he received a letter from a housing developer ordering him to take it down.

The father-of-two has so far complied with the notice but is now fighting back because he is "proud to be British".

Mr Smith served in the Army between 1988 and 1994 and saw action during the Gulf War – a conflict waged by coalition forces in response to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait.

He wanted to show his continued appreciation for Queen and country and decided to purchase the £3 flag from eBay which measures 5ft by 3ft.

But Mr Smith says that a disgruntled neighbour complained to bosses at Harron Homes who he claims have warned him to take down the flagpole or face legal action.

He said: "I think it's the flag as it's the first thing [the neighbour] mentioned, he said to me 'I hope you're taking the flag down, it's spoiling our view.'

"I can't see why a union jack flag is offensive. Why would you be offended by patriotism?