A WESTON pub has been saved from the threat of closure thanks to a change in management.

The Walnut Tree in Winterstoke will no longer face a licence review after people protesting against the running of the pub withdrew their complaints.

It followed a change in management, which nearby residents say ended episodes of late-night nuisance including loud noise and fighting.

Chris and Laura Godwin vowed to reduce the disruption after taking over from Paul Clifford, who walked out, last month.

The pair made a pledge to stop serving by 11.30pm every night and lock up no later than midnight, even at weekends.

After taking over, Mr Godwin said: “Our first job is to sort out the problem of late night disturbance, and we’re trying first by reducing opening hours to combat noise.

“If people want to stay out late they can head down to the bars in Weston town centre.”

A North Somerset Council confirmed the licence review had been dropped following the withdrawal of resident complaints.

In a note sent to the council, one neighbouring resident said: “I would like to take this opportunity to cancel the review of the licence for the Walnut Tree, as it would seem since the removal of the incumbent has changed the situation dramatically and we no longer have loud noise late at night or indeed in the early hours of the morning.”

If the licence review had gone ahead councillors on a sub-committee could have modified the conditions of the pub’s licence and removed the designated premises supervisor.

It could have also suspended the licence for up to three months or revoked it completely.