Licensing chiefs have curbed the opening hours of a popular Chorley pub, a move which could threaten its future.

Lancashire police applied for a review of a licence for The Swan with Two Necks, Hollinshead Street. Police recommended that no alcohol be served after 11pm.

The current terms allow drinking at the Hollinshead Street pub until 2.30am at weekends.

A three person panel of councillors from Chorley council’s licensing committee heard the review last week and decided to cut the hours where alcohol can be served on Friday and Saturday hours to 12.30am and Sunday to Thursday to 11.30pm.

Licensee Denise Hogan, who along with her husband Nick, runs pub, say that 300 customers, neighbours and other friends of the pub of all ages have written to the council pledging their support for the couple.

The decision notice of the sub-committee, said: ”Repeated incidents of crime and disorder and nuisance originating from a premises cannot be ignored even if the premises is popular amongst regular patrons.

“Having carefully considered the representations from the police, the Environmental Health Authority and the other interested parties the sub-committee considered that the designated premises supervisor had failed to effectively manage the premises leading to the licensing objectives of the prevention of crime and disorder and the prevention of public nuisance being undermined.”

The panel decided not to remove Mrs Hogan as designated premises supervisor but to request that the licensing section issue a written warning to her emphasising how seriously the sub-committee considered the lack of effective management at the premises.

Mr and Mrs Hogan say they will appeal the decision which would mean the review would be heard by magistrates.

They have 21 days in which to appeal and in the mean time the current opening hours will remain.

Mr Hogan said: “We are looking forward to putting our case forward at the appeal against these unjustified measures.”

Sergeant Tony Bushell, licensing officer for Chorley police said all submissions from the police backed up by evidence.

He added: “I agree the Swan is an asset to Chorley but we don’t take action like this lightly.

"We believe there are issues over management practices, incidents of disorder and non-compliance with the terms of the licence.”