A TROUBLE-PLAGUED pub is facing an uncertain future after Cleveland Police objected to its latest licensee applicant.

The Halfpenny, in Middlesbrough, has attracted the attention of officers following major concerns over the level of crime and disorder associated with the premises.

Despite repeated warnings over the past three years, the pub, in Easson Street, Grove Hill, has continued to have a problem with heroin misuse, contraband cigarettes, after-hours drinking and general crime and disorder.

Many of the problems were directly linked with one family, two of members of which are currently serving lengthy prison sentences for supplying Class A drugs and money-laundering.

Middlesbrough Council revoked the bar's licence in March last year, because of the illegal activities going on in the pub.

But following an appeal by the pub's owner, Punch Taverns, the licence was reinstated, and Ellen Georgson took over its running.

In December, the police and a licensing officer from the council carried out a routine inspection and uncovered several breaches of the licence, including drug-related problems and an assault on a member of staff.

Ms Georgson has now left the pub, and Punch Taverns has submitted an application for Susan Doherty to become licensee.

That application was to be heard by Middlesbrough Council's licensing committee on Tuesday.

But in a letter to the committee, Cleveland Police said: "We have recently received information that persons who have previously caused problems within the premises are again frequenting the premises.

"As a result, there have been several incidents which have involved drugs paraphernalia being found on the premises, but not reported to police.

"There was also information received concerning an assault, which also went unreported.

"We have concerns that Susan Doherty has little experience of running licensed premises, let alone a premise which has caused concern and continues to do so."

As a result of the concerns, Punch Taverns has changed its plans.

A spokesman said: "As soon as we were made aware of police concerns around the proposed new licensee, we responded, and have now withdrawn the name of the person concerned.

"We have proposed a new licensee, whose name we will put to the police for their approval. We are working closely with the police to ease their concerns, and hope to have a new licensee in post shortly.