IT is unclear what the future holds for Stanford-le-Hope's Crooked Billet pub after Thurrock Council's licencing committee formally revoked its license.

The decision comes in the wake of what landlady Leah Langley hoped would only be a temporary halt to proceedings while the council looked at the pub's situation and suspended her license – but her worst fears have now seen confirmed.

Ms Langley had hoped community support for the venue from local residents and organisations would sway the minds of councillors on the authority's licensing committee when they reviewed the license last week, but it appears the behind-closed-doors meeting heard contrary evidence and ignored her plea.

The council has given no reason for its decision – though the investigations into the pub was started on the grounds that it was believed it was playing host to crime and disorder.

In October the pub was subject to an early morning raid by police.

A council statement today (Wednesday, 16 November) says: "The decision was taken to revoke the license at the Licensing Sub Committee held on 10 November. The licensee has 21 days to appeal this decision, the license remains suspended during the appeal period."

The decision comes as a blow to the current operators of the Crooked Billet who were hopeful of becoming owners of the premises when its lease expires shortly.

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The site is owned by Thurrock Council and the pub has an existing lease.

The lease agreement expires on May 1, 2025 but as part of a sale of many of its assets the council would like to dispose of the freehold of the building. The council says protocol dictates it should give the purchase opportunity to the sitting tenants initially before going to the open market.

If a new license is not granted to the existing operators it is likely there would be no-one in situ in 2025 – or someone else who has moved in on a short-term basis.

The viability of the pub and its function room at the moment is in doubt, particularly as a number of groups previously using the pub's function room have now found new premises.

For example the Strollercise group which meets there on Wednesdays, announced this week it was switching the recently reopened Wyldecrest Sports Country Club (formerly the Peg Club) in nearby Corringham.

Ms Langley has not commented on the council's decision, nor if the operators are planning to appeal.