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Wolverhampton's Harp Inn could open as new nightspot after being shut following stabbing

The site of a trouble-plagued city pub could be transformed into a new nightspot, under plans revealed today.

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Noted gangster hangout The Harp Inn, in Horseley Fields, Wolverhampton, was closed down in February after bosses surrendered its licence in the wake of a string of violent incidents including a brutal stabbing.

But now a new licence application has been submitted to reopen the site under the moniker of Mississauga pub.

New boss Teresa Hansell has applied to serve booze at the site from 11am to 2.30am, seven days a week.

She has also requested an entertainment licence covering the same times. Licensing chiefs at Wolverhampton council are set to decide on the application next month.

The Harp Inn had a troubled history prior to its closure. It was a reputed gang haunt that was said to be frequented by members of Heath Town's Firetown crew.

In August 2015 council bosses ordered the closure of the pub for a month following a spate of violent incidents, which included a doorman being knifed through the heart in June 2014.

The stabbing left bouncer Christopher Ramsey fighting for his life and saw Craig Birch, then 31, jailed for 14 years.

It was closed down again in January this year when a knife was allegedly drawn during a brawl between two gangs that saw a man punched.

At the time police described the venue as being on Wolverhampton's 'gang circuit'.

The following month it was closed down for good after pub bosses surrendered its licence.

Councillor John Rowley, who sits on Wolverhampton council's licensing committee, said: "Members of the committee will be made aware of any historical problems with the site and also take into account the plans and aspirations of the new owners.

"People can be assured that as always, we will be looking at the application with great care."

Doorman Christopher Ramsey, known as Ian, was fortunate to survive after being the victim of the knife attack in June 2014.

Father of four Craig Birch had lashed out when stopped by Mr Ramsey from taking a bottle of brandy into the Walsall Road pub.

The knife had into the victim just below his left armpit in what prosecutors described as a 'cowardly and cold blooded' attack.

Mr Ramsey needed resuscitating after his heart stopped during emergency surgery in hospital.

The wound also caused kidney failure and an extensive bleed to the right side of the brain that led to part of the victim's skull being removed.

His injuries left him requiring 24-hour-a-day care.

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