New owners look to turn around Great Harwood pub's controversial past

The Walmesley Arms in Great Harwood was forced to go before the licensing committee several times under its past owners for complaints including anti-social behaviour, drug issues, and fighting.

However the Queen Street pub's new owners are keen to put its recent reputation behind them.

Former army man Patrick Brizio has taken over the venue with wife Dawn and £5,000 has been spent to refurbish the pub as they look towards a bright future.

Mr Brizio, 33, from Clitheroe, said: “I knew the reputation of the pub but we looked at it as a project and I thought we could turn it around.

“Over the past few years it's not somewhere people would want to go, there were problems with underage drinkers, drugs.

“But we’ve spoken to the police and we’re cracking down on all of that.

“It used to be a good pub, it was family friendly.

“We want to clean it up, we’re trying to bring the community back together.

“We’ve had no trouble or violence so far, we’ve not had to call the police once.

“It’s been hard work, but I think we’ve come in at the right time.

“We’re seeing the change, we’re seeing the customers come back in.

“All the feedback so far has been great, it’s all been positive from customers.

“We’re turning it back into a good, clean family friendly community pub.”

The couple have never owned a pub although Mr Brizio has experience from seeing his mother run a pub before he served in the army.

As part of the drive to turn it into a family friendly pub, the venue is holding events such as monthly family fun days to help bring the crowds back in.

A family event was held on Saturday and a ladies night is planned later this month.

Professional cleaners were brought in to give a deep clean to the carpets and bathroom.

A gin and cocktail bar has also been installed on one side of the pub and extensive work has been done to the outdoor area.

Further work is also planned to paint the outside of the pub.