A PUB which closed after the former landlord sold vodka with the same chemical make-up as screen wash has been given a £500,000 makeover and reopened.

The Coach and Horses, on the corner of Front Street and Middle Street in Consett, has been fully refurbished and renamed The Whistle Blower.

It was owned by Star Pubs and Bars and run by businessman Sunny Gill but has been taken on by Amber Taverns.

New landlady Diane Wood said: “We wanted to give it a completely fresh start.

“The company chooses names of pubs that have a link with the past. We want people to know the problems they used to have here are gone and we are moving on. We want people to feel safe and comfortable here so they can out and enjoy themselves.”

Amber Taverns also owns GW Horners in Chester-le-Street and The Tap @ Carter’s Well in Low Fell, Gateshead.

Earlier this year, a licensing committee held at Durham County Council heard The Coaches and Horses was visited by police officers who found it had been selling illicit spirits made with industrial alcohol.

Sergeant Tim Robson, of Durham Constabulary, said the investigation was ongoing.

The Whistle Blower opened for business on Monday.