POLICE will attempt to bury the hatchet with a Westbury landlord on Monday just weeks after trying to strip him of his licence.

Inspector Geoff Miles, of Warminster and Westbury police, will shake hands with Paul Morris when the refurbished Ludlow Arms reopens in the Market Place to herald a fresh start.

Last month both parties reached an agreement after a lengthy court battle had seen the police bid to revoke Mr Morris's licence.

They submitted a file detailing why he should lose his licence, including a drugs raid in May, fights in the pub, and a log of incidents over the past year.

But they eventually agreed to relent provided Mr Morris adhered to a series of conditions and paid more than £20,000 in costs.

The conditions include the pub not opening any later than midnight for the next year and are designed to send out a very strong anti-crime message.

Insp Miles said: "It is fair to say that we have not had the best of working relationships for the past two years, but we have now reached an agreement which takes the views of all

parties into consideration, and will hopefully provide a positive way forward."

The pub closed on Thursday after a police scanned it with an Ion Track drug detector and officers will repeat this on Monday.

Crime Reduction Officers have inspected the pub and offered advice to increase the customer safety and door staff will be trained in people management.

Mr Morris said: "I am hopeful that the Ludlow Arms will become premises where people choose to come from personal choice, for a convivial atmosphere, and pleasant surroundings, and we are hopeful that this action will set the standards for others to follow."