A TOWN centre pub has closed for the forseeable future following a police raid which uncovered hard drugs and a shotgun.

The Bakers Arms, in Emlyn Square, was at the centre of a major police bust in December when four people at the pub were arrested on suspicion of being involved in the supply of class A drugs and for owning the offensive weapon.

All were later bailed.

The Arkell’s-run pub had to shut its doors on Saturday after a decision by a licensing panel of Swindon Council following a review called by its environmental protection department.

Council officers raised concerns of repeated noise nuisance from live music at the establishment, while town centre police cited fears over crime and disorder.

In his report, the council’s environmental protection officer cited more than half a dozen complaints about the noise from nearby properties and the discussions had with all parties involved.

In its submissions, police said: “Wiltshire Police support the application for review submitted by Swindon Borough Envi-ronment Protection.

“Wiltshire Police wish to make the representation due to the premise’s failure to adhere to the licensing objective of crime and disorder.”

Wiltshire Police said that they supported the application for the review and also any proposal to remove the landlord as the designated supervisor.

The Stratton-based brewery, the pub’s licensee, have said the current landlord will be moving out this weekend and they are now looking for another tenant so it can open the pub as soon as possible.

George Arkell, of Arkell’s Brewery, said: “The Bakers Arms is temporarily closed and the landlord is leaving on Saturday.

“We are keen to re-open the pub as soon as possible and are looking for a new landlord.

“Anyone considering applying for the tenancy should contact me at the brewery or visit us on March 6 when we are having our annual recruitment day.”

The recruitment day will take place at the brewery in Hyde Road on Tuesday, from 1pm to 8pm.

For more information, visit www.arkells.com