A village pub has had its opening hours cut after police callouts doubled under a new landlord.

Officers were called to the Fox and Hounds in Walton Street, Walton-on-the-Hill, 22 times last year, compared with just 10 times under the previous landlord in 2012.

The pub’s closing time was brought forward last month by Reigate and Banstead Council's licensing sub-committee from 2am to 12.30am to reduce the incidence of trouble.

CCTV will be installed on the premises, a new ‘Ask 25’ policy is in place, and a personal licensee will have to be present from 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays and when events are taking place.

Trevor Homer, the new landlord, said he already closed the pub at the earlier time and that the last year had been a learning curve for him.

Rachel Turner, borough councillor for Walton and Tadworth, welcomed the news and is keen for the pub to stay open.

She said: "The pub has always been the centre of the village. But local people have not been the ones using it - they have had to collect glass from the roads and hear the noise at night.

"I think the change in hours is going in the right direction."

Coun Turner also praised the landlord for his plans to include a smoking shelter and go ‘upmarket’ with the restaurant. She said: "Let’s give him a chance."

Back in November five men were arrested in connection with an attack outside the pub and a man was taken to hospital with head injuries.

Last month police confirmed that all five men had been released with no further action taken against them.

But residents of Walton Street, where the Fox and Hounds is located, had been filing complaints with the council for some time.

Residents said they were astounded that the pub had been granted a late music license, as it did not reflect the village aspect of Walton on the Hill.

They described the ‘misery’ of living opposite the pub as music played late into the night and drunken customers left loudly.