THE landlady of a Thurrock pub that has had its licence suspended is hoping that support from the local community will help its case when the borough council's licensing committee reviews the decision.

Leah Langley runs the Crooked Billet in Stanford-le-Hope which was forced to curtail its normal pub business when the council suspended its alcohol licence last week. With the pub prohibited from selling alcohol, though it could serve soft drinks and food, Ms Langley decided to close the bars, though the function room has stayed open and plays host to a number of local community, dance and exercise groups.

Now everything rests on a hearing by Thurrock Council set for Thursday, 10 November.

The suspension came after the Crooked Billet, on Rainbow Lane, was briefly closed in the wake of an early morning police raid earlier this month. Ms Langley insists there was no criminal activity or improper discoveries made during the raid.

However, after the pub reopened and began trading as normal, the council put the pub's licence on hold saying it was investigating 'crime and disorder'.

Ms Langley has thanked members of the widespread local community for the thanks and 'love' that has been shared with the pub during recent weeks. She says it shows that the pub is at the heart of the community and rather than a haven for crime and disorder, is actually a welcoming and safe haven for families, children and older people.

And she says it is important that the council is fully aware of the widespread role the pub plays locally, rather than listen to what she believes are a few misinformed critics who appear to have a vendetta against her business.

"I do believe people need to know how much the community is backing us," Leah told Thurrock Nub News.

"We are not just a pub selling drink and food, we do so much more here.

"On a weekly basis we run a nursery supporting 50 families from Monday to Friday, on Monday we host a local choir in the function room and it is used on Tuesday by the Rock'n'rollers, Wednesday by the Strollercise group and on Thursdays by Kendells Dance Academy.

"On Fridays we host a bowls group. And we also play host to meetings for a number of other local groups including the local allotment users and local Macmillan Cancer Care supporters.

"We do all these things but clearly our main business is the pub and not being able to operate puts all those groups in jeopardy."

Members of the Strollercise group in the Billet function room.

Samantha Williams, who runs the Strollercise classes is one of those who is backing the Billet, saying: "We have been using the Billet for three years now. Leah and her staff are brilliant. They go over and above for us. The Billet does a lot for the local community."

Jo Nyland-Fink is director of the Starmaker Community Voices choir and academy and says: "This hall is an absolute must for the community.

"Not only do we use it for our choir practices but we also book it for our children's shows and performances.

"I run both the choir and academy as not for profit organisations in order to provide a place for local residents and their children to gain confidence and be socially active.,

"The loss of the hall would be devastating to my members and also my students who cannot afford the other expensive venues that are available in the borough.

"I have always found the Billet friendly, uncomplicated and a safe place for my members."

A spokesperson for Kendells Dance Academy reiterated that point, saying: "It's a welcoming space for us to come into every week. It's a brilliant training space for us. We've just come back from Ireland and the World Irish dancing championships as world champions."

Lewis Graham from locally based Red Room Records has hosted events at the Billet and says: "Leah is honest, trustworthy and has a strong instinct of professionalism in every word she speaks.

"Leah's dynamic personality allows her to adapt quickly and professionally to any given situation thrown her way and she handles everything she does with the utmost respect and integrity."

Local singing tutor Shance Nicolee says: "This place is like a second home to me and my family. It really is a huge part of the community."

Echoing the way the Billet welcomes families and children, a spokesperson for Stanford Royals FC also commented on the professionalism of staff, saying: "We have been sponsored by the Billet for seven years now and Leah's support is phenomenal.

"We are always grateful not only for the support that we receive from Leah but from all staff members who are polite and helpful. as a team they are always on hand if help is needed, and we have had no issues."