A LANDLADY has been given three months to transform a pub blighted by drugs, underage drinking and anti-social behaviour.

Helena Gannon, who recently took over the licence of the Sheepwalk in Leytonstone High Road from her husband, was warned the pub will close unless swift changes are made.

An undercover police officer was offered drugs when he visited the pub on March 27, a licence review meeting on Friday (July 17) heard .

Officers discovered white powder in the toilets and drug paraphernalia in the flat above the bar, which was rented out by a member of staff.

They also witnessed underage drinkers and alcohol being served after hours.

Residents complained about noisy customers, urinating in the street and glasses being left outside.

Anthony Lyons, a solicitor acting on behalf of the licencee, asked the committee to show leniency.

He said: “Helena wants to move forward rather than backward. She is committed to running a family pub and has been working with her husband for 11 years – something which is remarkable when you consider the number of revolving door licensees.”

Matthew Phipps, representing pub owners Punch Taverns, pleaded for time to implement improvements, adding that the Sheepwalk would be forced to close if opening hours were cut.

PC Peter Neale said a stricter policy for checking cutomers’ age should be introduced and security staff employed on busy nights.

He said: “This is literally the last chance saloon. If improvements aren't made then there will be a full review of the license.”

The committee agreed to defer a decision on the pub’s future for three months.