BARRY Town Council has responded to a social media backlash against its decision to refuse permission to a pub wishing to use the town’s coat of arms on its carpet.

The Sir Samuel Romilly, a J.D. Wetherspoon pub in Broad Street, Barry, installed the carpet as part of a the £715,000 refurbishment.

However, Barry Town councillors unanimously voted to request the carpet be “removed as soon as practically possible” at its full council meeting on Monday, July 22.

They even threatened to take the matter to the Court of Chivalry which was established in the 14th century to settle coat of arms disputes. It last sat in 1954.

Now, the council claims that social media has been used to express disappointment at the decision and that the tone of the complaints has become “confused”.

A council spokesman said: “Through press and social media platforms, it is clear that there is differing public opinion on whether or not the council should have requested that the carpet be removed.

“There have been comments made that this is a debate centred on politics rather than on principles.

“When the council met to discuss the issue, all councillors were unanimous that the issue in question was that of one company using another company’s logo, badge or identity without permission and that this must be challenged.

“The council is very willing to listen to public opinion and encourage public participation.

“Through social media, there have been a number of opinions expressed and there is evident confusion as to the role of the town council and how the council runs.”

The council went on to say that some of the complaints had called into question the intellectual integrity of some members. A move it condemned as ‘unhelpful’.

The council statement continued: “A number of perspectives have been shared via the ‘Save our Spoons Carpet’ Facebook group, including opinions on the carpet itself.

“Throughout this period, comments towards the intellectual capability of officers have been very unhelpful and have had a great impact on current staff who are committed to their roles and who are working hard to deliver the Council’s Work Programme.

“The council asks that its employees are not targeted in their work as public servants, delivering for the people of Barry.”

‘Save Our Spoons Carpet’ was contacted for comment.