just one year ago Maria Gooding made the decision to take over the Eagle Inn at the bottom of Broad Street. She knew it would be a difficult undertaking as the pub had gone through very troubled times. It was in a poor state of repair and had a very bad reputation.

Maria told the Ross Gazette she was very reluctant to take it on but she has worked really hard to try to pull the business round. She said:?"We really had to do everything to get the pub ready for opening, there were no loo roll holders or toilet seats even in the ladies."

She said she has also put a lot of effort into making it more of a food led venue but she said that the licence restrictions had affected this. Recently a group of diners had to leave before they could be served coffee as it was past the time allowed by the licence regulations.

Maria applied for an extension to her hours, to stay open until 1am on Friday and Saturday, and until 12am from Monday to Thursday. She was very upset to learn that there were several letters of objection against the proposal. These letters gave reasons such as noise and disturbance from the venue. Many of them also requested more door staff and an increased police presence.

Jim Mooney the licensing officer for Herefordshire Council said that the police had no objections. He requested Challenge 25 was adopted rather than Challenge 21 which is the practice at the moment.

Maria told the Ross Gazette:?"I have worked with the licensing officers to make the most of the business, I just want the pub to do well. It does not help me if people read about problems and stay away from Ross."

Maria also had several supporters who attended the licensing regulatory committee with her. Carol Lowndes, from Ross Old Books, spoke to the Gazette. Carol said: "I went to the hearing because I was impressed with the way the Eagle has been turned around over the last year. Yes, the Eagle did have a bad reputation but now it is a food-orientated and family friendly pub and they should be congratulated for what they have achieved."

The committee agreed to extend the hours until 12.30am on Fridays and Saturdays and until 11.30pm Mondays to Thursdays.