The New Inn, on Dewsbury Road, was closed last month after police applied for a rare 'closure order' when 120 local residents signed a petition calling for action to be taken.

They said their lives were being made a misery caused by serious stabbings and assaults close to the premises, illegal serving up to 5am, abusive customers and bottles being thrown at cars.

Magistrates granted the order under the Antisocial Behaviour Act 2003 after seeing reports from City and Holbeck Neighbourhood Police and Licencing Officers of residents' complaints.

But the pub's owners are being allowed to begin trading again under new licensee David Shaw.

Former serviceman Mr Shaw, 57, said he aims to return the New Inn to a thriving community pub.

He told the YEP: "I can assure people there will be no return to the bad old days. I want to attract the customers back that used to make this a nice place to come and enjoy a drink again."

Conditions attached to the new licence include having CCTV cameras in place throughout the premises and door stewards on the front and back entrances during busy periods.

It is due to reopen on Friday, October 30.

Mr Shaw and fiancee Diane are moving to the New Inn after running the Blooming Rose pub, a quarter of a mile away on Burton Road.
The Blooming Rose is to close after serving the local community for around a century.

Punch Taverns have sold the building and surrounding land to local businessman Bob Deegan.

Mr Deegan, from Beeston, said he has plans to turn the pub into a bistro, wine bar and a six-lane bowling alley. Mr Deegan, a pharmaceuticals company owner and former nightclub boss, said: "The days of people wanting to just come out for a drink are over.
"We want to build something where people have a choice of a meal, somewhere to drink and enjoy a game."

Mr Deegan said he hopes to have the project completed in about 18 months, subject to planning permission.

Meanwhile, another historic Leeds pub, The Albion, in Armley, is due to undergo refurbishment after being badly damaged by fire.

The Armley Road pub, a designated Heritage Inn, was damaged by the blaze just six months after undergoing a £100,000 refit.

A spokesperson for owners Admiral Taverns said: "The pub is currently closed due to damage caused by a fire at the pub.

"We plan to re-open the pub with a new landlord behind the bar as soon as repair work has been completed."