On Tuesday 29th November Wigan Council's Licensing Sub-Committee met to consider the review application submitted to Wigan Council regarding the Fleece Hotel. Greater Manchester Police had serious concerns about the failure to uphold the licensing objectives and the prevention of crime. It was established that the serial serious criminal David McHugh/Williams had some/all ownership of the premises. Therefore, local people were and are at risk of becoming victim to this criminal. McHugh/Williams is under criminal investigation. Greater Manchester Police wanted to protect our community and tried to get the licensing objectives upheld and therefore sought a revocation of their premises license. McHugh/Williams avoided the licensing regime. I am pleased to announce Wigan Council agreed that the licensing objectives were not being met and therefore agreed that the license be revoked. Greater Manchester Police were not only enforcing the licensing objectives but they were protecting our town of Ashton from this serious criminal. They deserve our thanks which I have forwarded. From seeing all the evidence, which, unfortunately, I cannot publish, I am in no doubt crimes have been prevented. Please share this widely so that as many residents as possible are informed. Minutes will be forwarded asap. The owners of the Fleece have approximately 3 weeks to appeal to Wigan Magistrates Court in which time they can still legally trade, if they choose to. Best wishes Mike Moulding