A pub landlord has been forced to repaint his boozer after the council ruled its red and white colours harmed the character of a historical conservation area.

Army veteran James Elliot, 34, spent £15,000 covering The Jolly Potters in Stoke City FC colours using 'poppy red' paint to reflect his forces background.

But he was left stunned when the city council told him it breached "conservation area guidelines".

James had splashed out on painting the window sills and doors as well as a Stoke City mural in the beer garden and the city's crest on a wall. 

Stoke-on-Trent council ordered him to replace the artwork with more muted colours because the pub lies within the Hartshill Conservation Area.

Thousands signed a petition calling on the local authority to reverse their decision after they threatened enforcement action. 

The Jolly Potters has been repainted with more 'neutral' colours. (SWNS)

But leaseholder James said he has now made the "tough decision" to comply with the decision and has since repainted the pub in more neutral colours. 

James, who spent six years in the army, said: "I'm just trying to focus on looking forward with a positive outlook now and put this all behind me. 

"Most people were shocked by it to be honest. People were ringing me thinking it was a joke.

"It just seems there are a few people don't want a pub there and for some reason someone has taken offence to the red.

"I felt betrayed and I tried to fight it."

In a lengthy post on social media, the pub added: "Unfortunately, the red has gone...but the Stoke and Potter's spirit will always stay inside these walls. 

"After what I'd call positive talks with the local council, I've taken the tough decision to follow the area's conservation colours and accept the error made.

"This will be part of a bigger plan to develop The Jolly Potters in partnership with the council.

More than 3,000 people signed a petition in support of the red colour scheme. (SNWS)

"I can't thank you all enough for the incredible support — it means so much to me and my young family. 

"This might feel like one step back, but the aim is to make a massive leap forward very soon."

The online petition set up last week on Change.org attracted more than 3,000 signatures.

Cllr Chris Robinson, cabinet member for housing, planning, improvement and governance at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: "After positive conversations with the landlord of the Jolly Potters we're pleased that a solution has been reached. 

"We'd like to thank the landlord for engaging positively with us regarding the conservation area rules.

"We understand the passion behind the recent refurbishment and appreciate the leaseholder's commitment to creating a welcoming space for the community. 

"We're committed to supporting local businesses and want to see venues like the Jolly Potters thrive while also protecting the heritage that makes our city unique."

In a statement last week, a Stoke-on-Trent City Council spokeswoman previously said: "The owners of the building have been made aware that the works carried out required planning permission and our teams have been in regular contact with them.

"So far, the owners have not engaged with us to take the necessary steps.

"We have made it clear that failure to repaint the building using the approved colours, or to address the planning breaches, will result in enforcement action.

"The Jolly Potters pub is located in a conservation zone - meaning the area has special architectural or historic interest. 

"This means that any changes to buildings need planning permission to preserve the character of the area."