Neighbours have come to the defence of the team that runs a pub in Caversham which is in trouble over allegedly selling stolen drinks and meat.

The Red Cow in Star Road, Caversham is a pub and restaurant that serves a range of food and alcohol to guests.

But the pub could lose its licence to sell alcohol after being accused by Thames Valley Police officers of selling stolen drinks and meat.

In a raid on the pub on Thursday, July 11, officers seized about 30 bottles of alcohol and 30 items of meat.

Police licensing officers have called for the licence to be revoked, in a review application to Reading Borough Council.

Evidence submitted by officers accuses the team at the pub of receiving stolen goods over three days this July.

However, neighbours have come to the defence of the team, heaping praise on the landlady Sangita Gurung for creating a 'friendly and welcoming' environment since taking over in 2018.

During a consultation into the review,  Nigel and Diane Roberts said: "The pub was closed for a long time before Sangita took it over and is the only local pub in the surrounding area and this provides a friendly and social environment for all and offers somewhere for anyone that might live alone to come in for a drink, chat and have a hot meal who may not have the opportunity or money to travel into Reading."

Staff at the pub received support from long-time neighbours, newcomers and even people from outside the town.

Emma Sobers said: "I have personally frequented the pub for many years and have never witnessed anything untoward happening during my visits.

"I currently live in Bristol but regularly visit Reading almost every weekend to
see family and friends, with the Red Cow being our local pub to enjoy a social get together."

Meanwhile, Amandeep Daggar, a relative newcomer to the area said: "I moved to the area almost a year ago to date and without such a wonderful pub and people it would have proved difficult.

"I cannot express through words how much Rocky, Anjeli and Sangita have made a quite dull area of Reading so vibrant and amazing!

"It’s not often you have somewhere with amazing food and drinks alongside workers who treat you like people!"

Another neighbour called for the landlady to be given a second chance.

Angela Cox wrote: "The landlady has made a mistake and this is out of character. The pub has always been strict on crime and drugs. I believe the landlady does her best to keep law and order and prevent crime whenever possible.

"The landlady has asked people on a number of occasions to leave quickly and quietly and always closes in time.

"I take my children and parents for food and to enjoy the garden when the weather allows.

"The pub is a welcoming place to meet friends and family and enjoy a quiet meal in a friendly atmosphere. My son loves how welcoming the landlady is and how special she makes him feel."

The pub is currently allowed to sell alcohol from 10am to 11pm, with closure at 11.30pm.

However, the review could result in the temporary or permanent suspension of the licence, meaning alcohol can no longer be sold there.

A decision is due to be made by the council's licensing applications sub-committee on Tuesday, November 12.