A BOROUGH pub blighted by controversy and public concern has a new lease of life as it has been converted into a martial arts academy and local pre-school.

Following a police raid on the Crooked Billet in Stanford-le-Hope in October, its license was temporarily suspended and then revoked by Thurrock Council's licensing committee after a further investigation, and it ceased trading before Christmas.

The building was then marketed by its owner and new leases struck as the new year turned, prompting conversion work to begin.

The Combat Academy is now operating from one half of the former pub building and Little Bunnies Childcare has taken over the other half.

The building has been split in two and the outdoor area has been incorporated as a children's playground area.

The preschool is run by Jess Warren, supported by her mum Lynn and a small team.

Thurrock Nub News visited the site and spoke to Jess about the conversion and how her business had developed.