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, in Richmond, was the only pub in the town with meeting rooms, and was used frequently by clubs and organisations for formal and social gatherings.

But a dispute between the tenant and owners Pubmaster led to its closure in January and, although the company has always indicated it intended to reopen the premises as soon as possible, legal wranglings have meant the doors have remained closed.

Former regular Martin Armstrong said he had spotted a rat running across the back yard on Tuesday and when he went to investigate further, found the pub's back door open.

"The place was a mess," he said. "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 authority has the power to intervene if vermin are reported on empty premises and can also force property 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 Sergeant Mick Griffiths urged Pubmaster to take swift action.

"This certainly sounds like something the company needs to address as a matter of urgency," 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 last night the company was still working towards reopening the pub.

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

"We are also in regular contact with the appropriate legislative authorities regarding The Black Lion."