Drunken Dragon mural in Bicknacre taken down

The painting of the large red fire-breather has caused a stir since it was splashed across the side of the former Brewer’s Arms pub, in Bicknacre.

It was commissioned by the pub’s new owner David Davies as part of a tribute to his late father, who was a proud Welshman.

But since its completion the controversial painting has attracted complaints.

Chelmsford City Council responded by insisting the owners remove the drunken dragon.

The mural even received celebrity backing from former world heavyweight champion Frank Bruno.

Mr Davies said: “It was a wonderful publicity drive which was originally unintentional and it certainly has put the pub on the map.

“People are visiting us from outside the immediate area due to the news that ‘Duncan’ our dragon created.

“As they say, all publicity is good for business.”

The mural cost £1,000 to commission and £350 to paint over.

Dave’s son Ben added: “We were getting pressure from the enforcement department of the council and we were told it was a fight that we were not going to win.

“It’s a shame as only five people actually complained to the planning department and hundreds of people – and I mean hundreds – said they liked it.

“We are delighted and surprised at how well people have supported us.

“A number of people have been to the restaurant every week since we opened so we must be doing something right.

“Long may it continue.”

A Chelmsford City Council spokesman said the mural had to be regarded as advertising by law.

He said: “We received a number of complaints from local people regarding the ‘drunken dragon’ mural.

“Under the Town and Country Planning Act it was considered an advertisement and in response to these complaints, our officers wrote to the pub owners to ask them to remove it.”

Ex-boxer Frank Bruno personally helped to paint over the dragon.

He said: “I’m disappointed and a bit saddened the dragon has had to go.

“Very few complained and hundreds liked it and now it has to be painted over.”