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Pub will be asset to community

23/12/2002

A PUB once blamed for attracting youth nuisance to the area has reopened with the assurance that it will be a community asset.

The Roebuck on Kirkway, Alkrington has, in the past, been a focal point for clashes between youths from Middleton and those from Blackley, just across the border.

The pub had gone into decline over recent years, but now it has been taken over by Middleton man Garry Lloyd, with special security handled by Dave Ward, managing director of the Lionheart Security group.

Dave Ward has pledged a "zero tolerance" policy for the pub, which is now for over 21s only. Younger people will only be allowed in for dining.

It's a policy that has been welcomed by the locals who crowded the pub for its opening celebrations. Among them was comedian Bernard Manning who lives on nearby Mainway.

He said: "We have every confidence that the pub will be a good neighbour and trouble will be a thing of the past."

He was supported by millionaire businessman John Reynard, who said he had been going in the pub for 40 years, ever since Bitter was one shilling and one penny a pint.

"This pub has had it troubles, but now I think we can drink in peace and quiet. Other members of the community will certainly welcome this."

Dave Ward said: "Our first weekend exceeded all expectations. We put on live entertainment, which will be a regular feature of the pub, and the place was packed.

"Many of the locals came in for the first time in years. They know there will be no trouble, we will not allow it. We have spent a lot of money refurbishing the pub, making it something our neighbours will be proud of, somewhere where they will be happy to come and drink and dine in the knowledge that they are safe."