Social landlord Places for People made the headlines earlier this month after it asked Steven Rolfe to remove the red St George’s Cross because of fears the symbol could be offensive and disturb neighbours. He had also not received prior permission to paint the symbol.

However, it later backed down and Rolfe told the Lancashire Evening Post he was “delighted” to be allowed to keep his design.

He said it was political correctness gone mad: “I had worried about being taken to court, so I painted the door white, but as soon as I got the letter, the red paint was back out.”

The England flag has become a preferred symbol of extremist group the English Defence League since it emerged three years ago.

The initial letter from Rolfe’s landlord said: “It has been brought to my attention that you have painted your front door in a way that could be considered offensive.” He was given 14 days to repaint the door.

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But Rolfe, who served in Northern Ireland, had painted his door ten years previously and received support from neighbours as well as Muslim community leaders and local councillors in his attempt to keep the flag.