Troubled pub is taken on by new owner

Barbella Ltd was granted a licence to operate The Crown Hotel in Chickenley this week.

The pub in Chickenley Lane was shut down in February, just 10 months after being warned about unacceptable levels of violence and anti-social behaviour.

West Yorkshire Police licensing officers had originally objected to the new licence being granted as the previous tenants were appealing against Kirklees Council’s decision in court.

PC Richard Farrand said: “We were concerned that should both licences be granted, there would be two in place and accountability would be clouded.”

But previous licence holders CDSL Ltd dropped the case and a new licence was automatically granted to Barbella.

Previously, the pub’s licence came under threat in April 2012 after a series of drunken brawls and allegations of drug dealing. This was before CDSL took over at The Crown.

In July 2012, a man was glassed and had his ear bitten off when drunks outside the pub dragged him off his bike. The following month a man drinking in the pub was punched and kicked to the floor by a group of attackers.

Two letters sent to the council by residents expressed concern about the prospect of the pub re-opening, with one claiming ‘it will make no difference who holds the licence, the people that use it will be the same.’

But the new licence holder has outlined steps it will take to prevent crime and ensure public safety, including CCTV being installed throughout the building and car park lighting.

It is not known when the pub will re-open. Barbella could not be contacted for comment.