FOOTBALL fans will no longer be welcome at the boozer in Reading station as landlords seek to revamp it into a gastro-pub.

The Three Guineas - long-held as a pit stop for away supporters arriving into town - is set to become a food-led venue for a "more upmarket" and "family" customer base after owners Fuller's were granted new permissions.

The London-based firm is seeking to gut the interior and turn it into a "traditional pub" as well as transforming the historic building's basement into a 70-seater dining area and function room.

Describing their plans they said they wanted to attract those "less inclined to stand at the bar, drink lager and watch the football" and would not show any live sport.

Thames Valley Police and Reading Borough Council's licensing team had both objected to the boost in capacity and earlier plans to stay open until 2am.

But at the licensing hearing on Thursday councillors decided a middle ground closing time of 12.30am would be acceptable if accompanied by a string of conditions.

In the meeting, the town centre police team and an inspector from British Transport Police both claimed that allowing more punters, regardless of who they were, would lead to an increase in crime.

Sergeant Rob Pitman said: "It is going to have an impact on policing, no matter how small that may be."

The force's licensing officer Mike King also raised concerns about the possibility of the basement being a target for terrorists as the town's "only subterranean venue", but staff said they have stringent security policies in place.

Solicitor, James Anderson, speaking on behalf of Fuller's told the committee the company was experienced at running venues in busy places and would bring a former manager from a pub in Kings Cross station to steer the ship.

He also said they planned change their customers "by selling more food, by providing more seating, by taking away the sports element and attracting people less likely to disturb people".

Cllr Jeanette Skeats queried how they would stop large numbers of fans from entering and added: "There is no fun in sitting there with your family - even if you do have a lovely tall gin and tonic - if a lot of football hooligans turn up."

However after further scrutiny the committee was satisfied when Fuller's said they had local security firms "on call" and had no objections to potential closures or partial closures on busy match days if police felt it necessary.

The firm was awarded the extension to its licence allowing opening hours from 6am to 12.30am, with alcohol sales stopping at midnight.

What do you think about the plans? Would you like to see a gastro-pub built at Reading Station? Comment below or email news@readingchronicle.co.uk