A PUB, which its new licensees freely admit used to have a reputation as "one of Worcester's biggest dive pubs" has reopened to a new life.

Lloyd Winstanley-Cox, who has taken over the Bridge Inn in Lowesmoor with Luke Neal, said: "The pub had a terrible anti-social record with police constantly being called.It was dark, dingy and on the verge of being dilapidated. It then closed in November 2015 and there were plans to have it converted into flats.

"However, back in the past it was known for its thriving pool, darts and skittles teams and was a successful locals' pub with a good reputation. We aim to restore and maintain that.

"We have spent thousands on revamping the property, including ripping out all of the beer lines, coolers and beer fonts and replacing them with brand new equipment. There are new fridges, a new glass washer and a new ice machine. The skittles alley has been completely rejuvenated, with the lane being completely repaired and the alley being decorated and all structural problems fixed.

"The pub has been redesigned with new carpets throughout, a brand new pool table and darts oche. After a complete week of constant cleaning with a team of eight people, all walls were repainted and maintained. The only things to be kept were the bar, the main bar tiled floor and the fireplace."

Mr Cox owns a security company Maximus Security Solutions, based two doors down from the pub, so there will be a strong security presence to counter all anti social behaviour and allow customers to feel safe and secure.

He added: "We intend to bring back all the teams that once made this an amazing pub. We are looking for darts, pool and skittles teams. In particular The Bridgettes skittles team who are apparently still in existence, to complement the number of teams that have already committed to next season's leagues. Also we are one of very few venues that have both Sky sports and BT sports in Worcester, so we can show all of the televised football and rugby matches. We want to be known as a sports and live music venue.