The new owner of an under-fire Maldon pub has vowed to turn around its fortunes.

Andrew Cox and Julie Hayes will take over the Warwick Arms in High Street and reopen it tomorrow.

Former landlords Emily Saffill and her mother, Andrea, closed the pub earlier this month after losing an appeal over a 28 day licence suspension and new tougher rules.

Maldon District Council imposed the restrictions in December after police received 39 intelligence reports about the venue in just 18 months.

Now Mr Cox and Ms Hayes, who also run the Anchor pub in Tiptree, will reopen the doors to the watering hole.

The new opening times will be from 11am to 11pm from Monday to Sunday.

Mr Cox promised he would help the pub rise from the ashes.

“I like a challenge I suppose,” he said.

“It just needs a good set of people in there.

“I’ve done it before with pubs in Romford and other places, so I know it can work.

“The licensing hours will change as well so that will give neighbours peace of mind.”

The pub will have Sky Sports, a small menu for food and other changes will come up as time goes on.

The restrictions imposed on the pub by Maldon District Council’s licensing committee included the sale of alcohol, use of the smoking area and live music.

The former owners appealed against the decision and it was heard at Ipswich Magistrates’ Court earlier this month.

A spokesman for Maldon District Council said: “The magistrates listened to the submissions of the appellant A&E Leisure and those of the Police Licensing Officer and the Council’s Environmental Health Officer.

“The magistrates dismissed the appeal against the sub-committee decision.

“The suspension of the licence was with immediate effect.”