Magistrates call last orders on Arthur Daley

(First Edition)

THE POLICE finally put one over Arthur Daley when a pub named after the ITV character was closed by magistrates.

The bench was told that in the four months of its existence, it became a magnet for criminals in West Auckland, Co Durham. Its owner, Bik Uppal, a former market trader, had spent pounds 40,000 refurbishing the former hotel.

With beer at just 80p a pint the venture proved successful. The police, however, were not impressed and they objected to the licence being renewed.

Bishop Auckland magistrates heard how two people were arrested after a fight at the pub on 27 December. The following day 18 of its windows were smashed.

Mr Uppal will be back before the bench tomorrow to appeal against the decision. If he fails he intends to take the matter to the High Court.