New owner stops time being called on troubled pub

Kent Police had previously asked Medway Council to review the Woodland Tavern's licence

A Kent pub which had become associated with "serious crime" has been rescued by one regular who hopes to turn it into a family-friendly venue.

It comes after the previous landlord of the Woodland Tavern on Canterbury Street, Gillingham, was ordered to hand back the reins of the venue after Kent Police accused him of failing to report violent assaults.

John Anderson, 44, who admitted never having run a pub before, officially became the new owner in May.

"I've been coming here for years and knew it was in a bad way, but I still took a chance," he said.

Mr Anderson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service he overcame his initial hesitation after discussions with pub chain Stonegate last year.

He then spent months refurbishing the pub and getting acquainted with the business, alongside his new manager Kieron Else.

Mr Else said the pair's main hurdle so far has been the pub's reputation and convincing people it has changed.

"I want to bring back families to the pub and get the word out to the community there's new people running the show," he said.

"So far the response has been really positive."

In addition, Mr Anderson wants to set up a "WhatsApp pub union" in order to help out other "like-minded landlords and landladies from across Medway and Dartford".

He said: "I know how difficult [running a pub] can be, so if another venue has an event coming up I'll advertise it here, and vice versa.

"Similarly, if someone needs the loan of a barrel, no problem.

"Pubs are a dying trade and the only way we are going to survive is if we work together."