A PUB landlady has lost her licence after police and neighbours grew tired of unruly customers and after-hours drinking at a town centre bar.

Patricia Flemming yesterday had her licence for The Cottles pub in Willington, revoked for constant breaches of the permit.

Police took Mrs Flemming to court because they said the town had suffered at least 18 months of trouble in and around the pub.

Officers said they have been called to the premises, in Commercial Street, countless times to deal with fights and disturbances and had to empty the pub of customers who were enjoying after-hours drinking.

Speaking after the decision was made to revoke the licence, Inspector George Ledger, of Crook police, said: "The premises have been badly managed resulting in 18 months of enforcement by us. We have had to clear the premises at 2am or 3am many times.

"During that time there have been a lot of disturbances, people being assaulted and problems in the streets, which have disrupted other businesses and residents.

"We tried to work with the licensee, but to no avail. Thankfully, the bench agreed she is not a fit and proper person to hold a licence at this pub."

Willington beat Sergeant Dave Ashton said: "This decision will be well received by other licensees, traders and residents in Willington who have been well aware of ongoing problems and have been looking for the police to take action."

Mrs Flemming's licence was revoked by South Durham Licensing Justices, sitting at Bishop Auckland Magistrates' Court, yesterday.

She has 21 days to appeal against the decision, which if refused could see the pub closed until a new manager takes over.

A spokesperson for the pub's owners, national chain Punch Taverns, said: "We encourage our publicans to manage premises in a responsible manner and co-operate with local authorities and police. Regarding this individual situation - any appeal is down to Mrs Flemming herself, but we will monitor it closely and work to keep the pub open."

Chris Southey, Durham Constabulary's legal advisor, said appealing for a licence was a serious step and the number of times the force has pursued the course of action is in single figures.

Mrs Flemming was last night said to be too upset to comment, but indicated she plans to lodge an appeal.