A new landlord is hoping to wipe the slate clean as he reopens a London Colney pub, which he says used to have a history of drugs and violence.

Brett Hulme and his partner Kim Nairne, are helping 23-year-old son Steven Hulme breathe new life in to The Golden Lion to turn it in to "family friendly pub", which says no to antisocial behaviour.

In November last year, Enterprise Inns withdrew an application to vary the Designated Premises Supervisor at the High Street pub and at the same time, the pub company closed its doors.

Mr Hulme, who also runs the Oddfellows Arms in Hemel Hempstead said: "The pub has been closed since November last year because of a history of drugs and violence and unfortunately regulars have gone elsewhere to drink.

"We want them to know that this is a family friendly pub and we will not be tolerating drugs and violence. We have turned it around and want people to know it is a safe place to drink."

He continued: "When we first opened the Golden Lion, we had some trouble makers in, who thought it was the same old pub it used to be - but they have been barred.

"We want people to know it has changed and it is not the same place it used to be."

Since opening last month, Mr Hulme said he and his family plan to renovate the pub in to a venue with a function room for entertainment, music and tribute bands.

They have refurbished the pub, toilets, dance floor and introduced new beers and a menu.