A devout Christian couple who banned swearing in the pub they ran have been sacked after takings plummeted - but have barricaded themselves in and refuse to leave.

The couple fell foul of customers at the King's Head in Essex Road, Islington, when they took over and barred anyone who used foul language or bet on horses.

As the profits dried up, brewer Oakfield Taverns was forced to bring in new, liberal landlords.

But the evicted couple and their two children have been sealed in the flat above the premises for two weeks now and the dispute will be settled by a court.

A regular at the pub said: "Every local was barred from swearing. How can you have a pub where you are not allowed to swear? It was utter madness.

"The new managers are great and it's gone back to how it was. It is a proper pub with a good atmosphere."

A new blackboard in the King's Head reads: "Swearing now allowed."

But a less cheery sign on the entrance to the upstairs flat lists the hearing to be held at Clerkenwell and Shoreditch county court.

Collette Philips, area manager for Oakfield Taverns, said: "We have a new management team in there and we are proceeding and doing very well. It is a traditional pub. I am not able to comment on the court case."

A barmaid said: "We are not even allowed to go up there and talk to them ourselves."

Jeremy Fox, a promoter at the Old Queen's Head pub, opposite the King's Head, said: "People are always welcome to our pub - they can swear all they like here."

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