The Rising Sun pub could be reopened by Christmas, says new licensee Brian Foster.

Mr Foster has agreed a ten year lease with the new owners, the Punch Pub Company, for the former Munnelly's bar in Southbroom Road.

The pub has been closed since July when the previous tenant Bill Montgomery left.

Yesterday Mr Foster, who also runs Devizes Snooker Club in Station Road, was granted a public entertainment licence by Kennet District Council's licensing sub-committee.

Mr Foster said work should start on refurbishing the pub shortly and he hopes it will be open by Christmas.

Eastcourt Street resident Robert Hargreaves was one of two objectors at yesterday's hearing, saying he was concerned about music waking his family.

Mr Foster told the sub-committee that he had run the snooker club for seven years with virtually no trouble.

He said: "If Mr Hargreaves has any problems with The Rising Sun I would urge him to come and see me and I will sort them out."

The sub-committee granted the licence allowing music to be played until midnight on Thursdays and 2am on Fridays and Saturdays.

This is on condition acoustic windows are fitted to minimise noise.