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Landlady vows to get tough on troublemakers

Mike Glendinning
8/ 6/2006

A BLACKLEY pub has been declared a trouble-free zone as the new landlady re-opens it to the community.

Frances Sidebottom, mine hostess at the Parkview pub, is taking a zero tolerance policy on drugs and anti-social behaviour that has blighted it over the last few years.

Frances took over at the Parksway pub just five weeks ago and, she is determined to restore its place as a popular venue in the community.

In recent times, the pub has earned itself a dubious reputation, with the presence of guns and knives driving away many regulars. Now, having been refurbished inside and out, Frances is set to change all that and return to a time when socialising in Blackley was enjoyable and safe.

She said: "I was born and brought up round here, I'm a Blackley girl and I used to come in here when it was a community pub. It really went to pot when the drug users and pushers were taking over the place, but they don't get over the door now.

"This place used to be full of druggies but I'm giving it back to the community. I'm a 52-year old woman and I've been standing up to them, throwing them out and barring them. Those that do try to come in soon leave when they realise that the whole place is covered by CCTV that goes straight to Collyhurst police station anyway."

Although the trouble has left the pub, its reputation has seen many locals stay away and Frances is opening her doors to those that value a safe and friendly environment. She said: "I understands people being dubious about returning to, but it's now over-25s only, other than family parties on Sundays, when children are welcome. We're holding quizzes and Motown nights, I'm looking to start up football, pool and darts teams. I'm just saying to people, 'Give us a chance'."