A parish council has objected to the reopening of a dales pub after a man suffered life-changing injuries in a “sustained, violent and entirely unprovoked” assault on the premises.

Ross Ainsley, the manager of the King’s Head, in Cockfield, has pledged to increase staffing and introduce tighter security measures following the attack.

He said he was committed to learning from the incident and taking “all reasonable steps” to prevent a similar assault.

The pub’s premises licence was suspended with immediate effect by Durham County Council’s licensing sub-committee following the incident on July 25.

A hearing at County Hall was told the victim was repeatedly pushed before being struck several times to the head and face with a drinking glass.

He suffered a broken nose, a jaw fractured in two places and a ruptured tendon in his hand, and he required reconstructive surgery.

Police are continuing to investigate the assault.

Licensing Sgt Caroline Dickenson said the incident was made more serious because the man’s young son witnessed the attack.

“The child witnessed his father being subjected to the sustained, violent attack during which he saw his dad receive facial injuries,” she said.

“Such was the severity of the attack that the child attempted to intervene by using a pool cue in an effort to protect his father.”

Cockfield Parish Council objected to the King’s Head reopening under its current management, citing complaints about rubbish, alleged rowdy behaviour and incidents including alleged public urination.

The parish council said it had “no objections to the King’s Head as a licensed premises as long as it is managed correctly”.

The Durham Safeguarding Children Partnership said the evidence raised “significant concerns” about the ability of the premises to promote licensing objectives and protect children from harm.

It said it had “no confidence at this time” that the premises could be considered responsible and comply with its licensing obligations.

However, regular customer Teresa Spires described the King’s Head as a “clean and safe” pub where staff were welcoming and friendly.

She said children were “happy and safe” when visiting and that the venue was “very family orientated”.

“It would be a great loss for them to lose the pub,” she said, adding that manager Ross Ainsley “looks after the staff and the customers”.

In a statement ahead of the full licensing review on August 24, Mr Ainsley said the pub would have two additional members of staff working during busy periods and key events.

He also pledged to improve staff vigilance, refuse service to intoxicated or aggressive customers and challenge unacceptable behaviour at an early stage.

Staff would be instructed to ask people to leave where necessary and contact police immediately if a situation developed beyond what they could safely manage.

Mr Ainsley said CCTV would be actively monitored, with a live display installed behind the bar so staff could view key areas of the premises.

He also promised refresher training in conflict management, responsible alcohol retailing and licensing responsibilities, alongside regular team briefings.

“The safety of our customers, staff and the wider community is my highest priority,” said Mr Ainsley.