A pub involved in several violent incidents will be allowed to reopen on Friday nights provided a new licensee takes over.

The Fox and Pheasant pub in Station Road, West Drayton, was told last month that it must close at 8pm on Friday and have no music playing on Saturday at an emergency meeting held by police and Hillingdon Council's licensing sub-committee.

Around 16 incidents, including an assault where a man head-butted another guest at a wedding reception, were recorded at the pub by police during the past year.

But at a hearing on Friday, the committee increased the pub's opening hours, providing former licensee Mick Hanley took over from Liwen Hew, who has held the licence since February.

Hillingdon police's licensing officer, Sergeant Ian Meens, said: "It's always been a premises that's required some firm control from professional management."

Two letters and one petition were received against the pub, although one resident spoke in favour of Mr Hanley's return.

Mr Hanley said: "Mr Hew just wasn't cut out for the premises, unfortunately.

"He's not strong enough to deal with the elements involved in this pub."

The pub can now open until 12.30am from Monday to Wednesday, until 1am from Thursday to Saturday and until 11.30pm on Sunday.

Mr Hew apologised and said: "I don't think in my life I will take another pub again."