A LICENSEE today revealed how she endured threats of violence to flush drug pushers from her pub.

The Swan Hotel in Astley Gate, Blackburn, had become known as a haunt for dealers and their customers.

But in just eight months new landlady Michaela Harrington and her partner Ann Shackleton claim to have transformed the premises.

Michaela, 29, said she took the decision to keep illegal substances away from The Swan for personal and public spirited reasons.

She said: "I run it as a totally anti-drugs pub. Staff know that if they let people use or deal any illegal substances they will be sacked on the spot.

"I have got a friend whose daughter became addicted to heroin. She went from being a beautiful, voluptuous young lady to a quivering wreck. "She is now 25 and a total mess."

Among steps Michaela has taken are contacting police about ANY drug taking and flushing illegal substances down the toilet.

She added: "One customer was taken to court. After I took his drugs off him, he brandished a knife and slashed the pool table.

"Another dealer threatened me with violence when I said that I was going to phone the police unless he left.

"It's not just the drug issue. It's all the theft and the shoplifting, muggings and burglaries it brings with it. Drugs are putting decent people off coming into the town centre."

Police and members of the public have supported the Lancashire Evening Telegraph's Drive Out Drugs campaign.

And Acting Detective Chief Inspector Neil Smith warned publicans to keep drugs out of their premises following a raid on Sam's Bar, Higher Church Street, Blackburn, in which two people were arrested.

He said: "Landlords face stiff penalties for allowing drugs to be sold or used in their premises.

"They cannot say that they have not been warned," he added.

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