FIRE chiefs have asked pub landlords to take down their World Cup bunting because of a safety risk.

Pub bosses across Tyne and Wear have been sent a letter by Michael Neilson, the service's group safety manager, telling them to take down flags and banners over fears they could catch fire.

About 900 letters have already gone out to pubs in Newcastle, North Tyneside and Gateshead. Pubs in Sunderland and South Shields are about to receive theirs.

Rosemarie Sydney, who runs the Chesterfield Pub, in Elswick Road, Newcastle, is determined to keep her bunting and has sent her St George flags to have them covered with a fire resistant spray.

The 57-year-old, from Newcastle, said: "Lots of the customers are angry about this.

"We have never had any problems putting bunting up before. There were no rules and regulations when we put the black and white bunting up for Alan Shearer's testimonial day.

"We have never been asked to do this in the past. I won't be beaten and have sent the flags away to be fire-proofed."

The threat has also angered pub regulars.

Brian Matthews, 57, a grandfather from Fenham, Newcastle, said: "I think it is political correctness gone mad."

Mr Nielsen said the fire service was reminding publicans of the conditions of their licence.

He said: "We are not saying do not put up flags, banners or bunting - we are simply asking them to make sure they are flame-proof and to ensure that they do not obscure fire exit signs, fire extinguishers or emergency lighting.

"As a fire service, it is our role to do everything we can to prevent fires and we are taking this opportunity to remind licensees of their responsibilities."