THE DUKE of Wellington pub in Great Harwood is under new management.

Patrick Brizio and his wife Dawn Brizio, formerly of the Walmesley Arms, are taking over the reins and Dawn vowed to 'put the Great back into Harwood'.

She posted on the Harwood Is Our Home Town Facebook page: "We have taken over the Duke Of Wellington, (the Welly) we are currently undergoing major improvements and we hope to be open in just a few weeks time.

"We're so looking forward to being back behind the bar creating new memories and seeing some old n new faces. Keep an eye on this page for the Grand opening day."

Dawn also posted photographs of a number of cocktails that could be coming to their new pub.

She says they are looking to 'create new memories' and getting 'back in the game' on the Facebook post.

The post attracted nearly 100 positive reactions on the Facebook page.

Patrick said that they 'are looking to open and bring fancy cocktails and shots'.

He added: "We are looking to clean the pub up and get the town going again.

"The Duke of Wellington is in a prime site and we hope that people can support us."

It comes eight months after the Lancashire Telegraph reported about the couple called it quits at the Walmesley Arms after they had tried to turn the fortunes of the pub, which had a history of anti-social behaviour and drug issues.

Cllr Noordad Aziz, who represents the Netherton ward, which includes Great Harwood, believes it would be good news for the area when it re-opens.

He said: "Anything that can brighten up the town then I am all for it. We need to make to make sure it has a positive impact on the town. It will be popular and will have engagement with the community so that it is right.

"There have been a lot of change in the pub industry over the years so it was sad to see the Duke of Wellington had closed.

"If it re-opens then it stops a building being derelict. I think that anything that brings people to the town is a positive whatever that is.

"It is great to see a building brought back into use. They know how to bring entertainment to the town and it will be a good thing."