A PUB which closed after a shooting four years ago is set to re-open.

The Masons Arms at Wichenford hit the headlines when former licensee Christopher Salisbury shot a man in the back whom he mistook for a burglar.

Charges of wounding against the landlord were later dropped.

Now, nearby residents are expected to object to plans to re-open the pub which has been totally re-built.

The new owners propose to to open the building as licenced premises when the massive refurbishment and an extension is complete.

But Malvern Hills District Council's licensing sub-committee has received complaints from four residents who are worried that the opening of the pub at Castle Hill will ruin the area.

Concerns raised include that crime and disorder will go up, a public nuisance will be caused and public safety would be put at risk.

Councillors are expected to grant the applicant a provisional licence, ahead of completion of the works.

It is expected the new landlord will also be given the green light to extend the pub's opening hours from 8am to 2am and host occasional live music events in the dining room.

Work at The Masons Arms include remodelling of the lounge bar into a public bar with lavatories, converting of the public bar into the lounge bar and changing the kitchen into lavatories.

There is also a proposed kitchen extension and a dining room extension with disabled lavatories and staff accommodation. It is not known when the refurbishment will be completed.

The pub's licence is set to be discussed at a meeting at Wichenford Village Hall on tomorrow at 1.30pm.