A HUSBAND-and-wife team who have spent the last 10 months turning around the reputation of a controversial pub have had to call it quits.

Patrick and Dawn Brizio took on the Walmesley Arms in Great Harwood with the intention of turning the pub, which had a history of anti-social behaviour and drug issues, into a ‘friendly, community venue’.

But despite a largely welcoming response from patrons, the council’s licensing department has made running a business an impossibility for them, Mr Brizio said.

He added: “It has got to the stage now where it has just become too much for us.

“We have faced constant scrutiny from the council, and all we have tried to do is turn this place around.

“Since we opened we have had no fighting or issues at all, but a handful of individuals have made running this business impossible for us.

“We are being watched the whole time, have faced licence review procedures, and feel like we can’t do any right. They won’t stop until they force us out.”

In October, Hyndburn Council published information revealing that they had placed the pub under review following a complaint which was lodged by a member of the public.

Announced visits were carried out on a number of occasions, with environmental control officer Paul Thwaites recording a number of times he heard excessively loud music coming from the venue.

Mr Brizio, who spent 12 years in the army, spent £5,000 on refurbishing the troubled venue and tasted real success with the business, with Mrs Brizio’s new cocktail menu making the headlines after one of her creations went viral on social media.

And despite the fact the couple had no experience running a pub, they say members of the community have welcomed them with open arms.

Mr Brizio added: “We have had incredible support from the majority of locals, but one or two have made it their goal to get us out.

“The stress of it has just become too much - we feel as though we have been victimised and bullied by the council.”

The couple added that they have also shelved plans for a leaving party after a resident complained to the council that there would be ‘too much noise’.

Mr Brizio added: “They’ve even taken away our last chance to say goodbye to all of those who have supported us.”

Councillor Noordad Aziz, who represents Great Harwood, said: “I am saddened to hear that another pub in the area is set to close.”

The council was approached but decided not to comment.