A PUB which was closed and had its licence revoked during a police probe into cannabis farming will be allowed to reopen - despite overwhelming objections from police officers.

Appearing at a statutory licensing sub-committee meeting today, Durham Police licensing officer Sergeant Tim Robson objected to an application to reopen the The Stanefordham Inn in The Grove, Consett, in the grounds it would "undermine the crime prevention objective".

He argued that Neil Sutton, who planned to lease the pub, would be a "puppet on a string" to its owner Desmond Young, who was cleared of drugs charges last year.

But Mr Sutton, of York, rejected claims he was a "front" for Mr Young and told councillors he would be acting entirely independently and intended breaking with the pub’s past.

His plans include the creation of a carvery and a complete refurbishment to set up a bed and breakfast business.

During a police visit last January, 16 bags of skunk cannabis and £6,300 in cash were found in an annexe to the Stanefordham Inn. And evidence of cannabis farms were also found at other premises Mr Young owned.

Following a nine-day trial at Durham Crown Court the former haulier was cleared of five charges and said he hoped to see the pub up and running again soon.

Sgt Robson told today’s hearing three of Mr Young’s tenants who admitted producing cannabis had yet to be sentenced.

He added Mr Young had taken no action to evict two of these criminals from his rented accommodation.

He said: "It is my view that Mr Sutton is simply a puppet acting on behalf of Mr Young and as such criminal activity will continue at the premises, because Mr Sutton will not be of the fortitude to deal with issues associated with that premises once it starts running again."

Mr Sutton’s agent, Jane Gilliead (OKOK), said Mr Sutton had 26 years experience in the licensed trade, and had no previous convictions.

She said: "He will be leaving a good job in York to come and live here and will have total control of the premises. He sees it as an excellent business opportunity for himself."

The committee granted Mr Sutton a licence for the sale of alcohol, as well as music and entertainment provision.