THE new manager of a refurbished pub is looking to run a ‘friendly, welcoming community venue’ and move away from the building’s controversial past.

The Duke of Wellington pub in Great Harwood has reopened in Blackburn Road after it was closed several months ago.

Police found evidence the venue was being used to ‘take and supply drugs’ under its previous owners but the new boss, Chris Hope, said he is looking to change its image.

Manager Mr Hope, from Blackburn, said the pub is looking forward to a bright future and wants the community to give them a chance.

He said: “It’s a nice place for a nice pint. We’re changing the perception of the venue to people and looking to run a friendly, welcoming pub.

“We’re making sure everything runs smoothly and everyone has a good time.

“We want the community to give us a chance. We want to get the customers back in.”

Mr Hope, 27, who previously served in the army, said the venue has undergone a complete refurbishment including new cameras being installed.

The pub will also have a strict 'Challenge 25' policy for customers and Mr Hope said everything will be ‘kept and cleaned to a high standard’.

New staff has also been brought in to work at the pub as it looks to attract customers from throughout the area.

The town centre pub’s previous owners went before the Hyndburn Council Licensing Sub Committee after police ‘found evidence the premises were being openly used to both take and supply drugs’ and lost their license.

However, the new owners have firmly stated they are opening up a new chapter.

Cllr Gareth Molineux, who represents the area on Hyndburn Council, said he is pleased to see the pub trade doing well in Great Harwood.

He said: “This is great news. I’m very supportive of any pub that opens up in Great Harwood.

“It looks like there will be several pubs opening in the area this year, which will be great for the night-time economy.

“It’s good news, as long as it understands the needs of all the residents in the area.”