POLICE have urged the owners of an empty market town pub to take action following a claim that it was being used by drug addicts.

The Black Lion, in Finkle Street, Richmond, closed in January following a dispute between the tenant and owners Pubmaster.

Although the company intended to re-open the pub as soon as possible, legal problems have meant the doors have stayed closed.

Former regular Martin Armstrong said he had spotted a rat running across the backyard last week and then found the pub's back door open.

He said: "The place was a mess. Someone has been in there and smashed everything up. There was glass all over the place and stuff used by drug addicts on the floor.

"This place has a lot of history and used to be a real local amenity, but now it is semi-derelict."

A spokeswoman for Richmondshire District Council confirmed the council has the power to act if vermin are reported on empty premises and can force owners to ensure they are secure. But she said there had been no complaints about The Black Lion.

Police in Richmond also confirmed there have been no reported problems with the premises, although Sgt Mick Griffiths urged Pubmaster to take swift action.

He said: "They have the responsibility to make sure their premises are secure to prevent them being used further by drug abusers and we would certainly be keen to work in partnership with them to ensure there is no repeat of this sort of activity."

A spokesman for Pubmaster said that the company was still working towards re-opening the pub.

He said: "We do take the concerns of local residents seriously. Representatives from Pubmaster have attended the site and measures will be implemented to ensure it remains secure.