A DISPUTE over the future of a former pub in Bury appears to have been resolved.

The Bird I' T' Hand in Manchester Road closed in 2012 when Bury Council banned it from selling alcohol after a 12-year-old boy saw a street fight taking place outside from his bedroom window.

Neighbours said they thought the pub, situated along a row of terraced houses, would be turned into a house, but Mrs Johanne Banks, of Helmshore, revived plans.

She asked the council for permission to serve alcohol at the premises from 11am to 11pm daily, but six neighbours formally objected, fearing it was being turned back into a pub.

A licensing hearing took place at Bury town hall last week and Mrs Banks was granted the licence.

However, neighbours expressed relief when they discovered her plan was to open a tapas bar and only serve alcohol with meals.

Cllr David Jones, chairman of the committee, said afterwards: "The meeting was very amicable and I think both the applicant and the objectors were satisfied.

"There were about five neighbours who came and, when their views were heard, they felt reassured."

Police had concerns about the application, but withdrew them when Mrs Banks agreed to install CCTV and ensure people do not gather outside and they leave quietly.

Cllr Jones added: "Providing things are kept quiet outside and that taxis don't make too much noise, people will be happy. They know a tapas bar will not pose the same risk as a pub.

"At the end, I encouraged the two parties to keep in touch and to try to resolve any disputes on an informal level.

"Above all, I and the other panel members were delighted that the hearing served a useful purpose for both the applicant and neighbours."