A BAR closed down after it was raided by police during a crackdown on drugs will re-open with strict new security measures.

Former manager Didi Taofik was arrested at Bar Lush in Station Road and subsequently charged with drug offences following the operation last month.

A Licencing Commitee agreed yesterday (August 6) to allow the bar to re-open in one month with a new management team.

The bar must implement new security measures, including the installation of CCTV and a metal detector, regular customer searches and restrictions on staff and contractors.

Bar owner Denise Courtnell said she plans to hire a manager with more than 20 years experience to run the venue and she intends to employ new staff.

David Dads, the solicitor acting on behalf of the bar, told the licensing committee: “A new broom sweeps clean. This is exactly what is happening here. We have new staff who will now be trained and a new landlady.”

But residents attending the hearing remain concerned about the late opening hours and drunken revellers fighting in the street.

A woman, who did not wish to be named for fear of reprisals, said: “I want my life back. We have had absolute hell for months and months.”

She wrote a letter to the council describing a fight on June 20 where more than 20 men beat their victim while he lay on the floor helpless.

She believes the man's attackers had been drinking at Bar Lush.