A PUB plagued by violent criminals and drug dealers is to keep its licence – but must abide by strict conditions agreed by nearby residents.

The bar and kitchen of Lincolns in Leytonstone High Road will be refurbished when the pub is closed for six months, a hearing at Waltham Forest Magistrates Court was told.

The troubled pub’s owners, Trust Inns, appealed against a decision to revoke the pub’s licence last year.

This followed repeated complaints about noise and anti-social behaviour.

An undercover police officer was offered drugs in the pub and former manager, Jerry Nyoni, admitted he was scared of confronting violent criminals who drank there.

A 35-year-old man was stabbed several times in the back, neck and chest and his heart was damaged after he was attacked when leaving Lincolns in 2005.

The company has now promised to rebrand the venue as a traditional English pub and take direct responsibility for complaints.

It will meet with residents, the council and police every three months to discuss any problems with the way the pub is being run.

The owners also vowed to inform police if any drugs or weapons are seized on the premises.

CCTV cameras will be installed on the pub’s side entrance and there will be proper litter and glass collections by staff.

Drinkers will be banned from using the fire entrance as a drinking area and will not be allowed to drink outside on the forecourt after 9pm.

Trust Inns is paying the council's entire legal costs of £30,000.

Appeals by former managers Mr Nyoni and Marshall Maphosa were dismissed by the district judge and the council was awarded £2,500 from each of them.

Flash Bristow, a Ferndale Area Residents’ Association member, who lives yards from Lincolns, said: “This is a victory for residents. I have been living in Davies Lane for the past six-and-a-half years and during that time there has been constant noise at night because drinkers would drink in the street.

"I've found used condoms, tights, vomit, needles and human excrement in the street that I believe have come from customers of the pub."

A Trust Inns spokeswoman said: “The terms were agreed between the parties and were ratified in court. We have to wait for the council to agree the terms.”

Cllr Afzal Akram, Community Safety Cabinet Member, said: "This is a great outcome for the community. Trust Inns must eradicate the anti-social element which has been wrecking residents'lives and instead concentrate on bringing a family orientated pub or restaurant to this area.

"This deal is in the best interests of the council, residents and police and offers the opportunity for a fresh start for Trust Inns.

The council and the police will work with them to do this. However, we will not tolerate a repeat of the behaviour which prompted us to revoke the pub’s licence and we will take efficient and effective action if we find any of the licence conditions have been breached.

"The maximum period time the council can order a public house to close for is for three months. I am delighted we have succeeded in keeping this premises closed for double that period, recouped our costs and added some really strict conditions to this premises licence."