The future of a notorious pub in Bristol which closed last year due to a spate of violence will be outlined at a public meeting.
The Elm Tree in Bishopsworth had its licence revoked by the city council after a request from the police who warned someone "will die" if it was not closed, after three people were stabbed in the space of two weeks.
But just over a year after boarding up the premises, owners Star Pubs & Bars put in an application to have its license reinstated, and announced plans to carry out a £478,000 refurbishment with the aim of turning it into a family friendly local.
At a licensing meeting last month, nearby residents expressed their concerns about the pub's potential reopening, fearing the problems it previously suffered from could return.
Councillor Richard Eddy also said he was opposed to the Queens Road pub having its alcohol licence renewed.
But representatives from the Edinburgh-based company say they have met with community representatives, councillors Richard Eddy and Helen Holland and MP Karin Smyth to listen to their concerns and go through plans with them, as well as to reassure them about the management of The Elm Tree.
Star Pubs & Bars' Business Development Manager, Barrie Campbell, said: "It was a very constructive meeting and I believe went some way to allay concerns about the future direction of The Elm Tree, which will be completely different to before.
"We now want to do the same with local residents, putting their minds at rest and listening to their views."
Public meeting
Star Pubs & Bars will hold the public meeting at the pub at 10.30am on Wednesday, August 7, where it will 'share its investment plans' for The Elm Tree, which are designed to create 'the best family friendly neighbourhood pub in the area'. The meeting is open to local residents.
Mr Campbell continued: "At the meeting we’ll provide visuals of the new look and feel of the pub as well as talk through the food, drink and entertainment, the pub’s standards and explain how the pub will be run on a day to day basis to ensure it is a warm, welcoming and safe place for the community to come together."
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