SECURITY staff have been brought in to reassure regulars at a Chippenham pub after incidents where police have had to be called.

Police and council officials are keeping a close eye on The Old Lane in Pewsham, which was given a major facelift by new owners Marston’s earlier this year.

The estate pub is now more popular than it has been for several years, after an official reopening at the end of April.

But police have attended the pub twice in recent weeks, and on Friday, two security officers began circulating among drinkers.

A statement from Marston’s said: “Unfortunately the pub has been targeted by a group who have caused a lot of trouble for the local area.

“We have zero tolerance for any anti-social behaviour and have received full support from the police.

“We continue to work closely with the local police and other local pubs and bars in the area to ensure that our locals feel safe and welcome across Chippenham.”

A spokeswoman for the firm declined to add to the statement to comment on the presence of the security staff, who it is understood have been brought in after discussions with Wiltshire Council.

Marston’s bought the Lodge Road pub in a deal last year and invested a six-figure sum into the revamp, redecorating the lounge and bar, and upgrading the outside seating area.

It was one of 15 former Mitchells and Butlers pubs which Marston’s – which also owns the Water Meadow pub at Melksham - acquired from a property investment firm last year.

The most dramatic recent incident came on July 5, when a fight broke out outside the pub.

Police said there had been reports of ‘a large number of people fighting’ and a 20-year-old man from Calne needed hospital surgery to rebuild his jaw, teeth and ear.

No arrests have yet been made and police say their enquiries are ongoing.

The most recent came on Saturday July 27, when the pub ended up closing for the night at around 9pm because of ‘disorder’. Emergency services had been called at around 8.40pm.

A police spokeswoman said: “Officers spoke to people at the pub and no offences were disclosed so no further police action will be taken.”

Police will be speaking to Wiltshire Council’s licensing team about the pub.

PC Hazel Anderson, community co-ordinator for the Chippenham area, said: “We have been called to the Old Lane pub in Pewsham a number of times over the past month, so will be working closely with the licensees to resolve any ongoing issues.

“As with all issues relating to licensing, we will liaise with the relevant department at Wiltshire Council to make sure we have a joined-up approach.”

The council’s cabinet member for public protection, Cllr Laura Mayes, said:

“We have been made aware of this and we will be working with our police colleagues to address any issues.”