DRUNKEN revellers causing trouble in Worcester could face lengthy bans from all licensed premises following the launch of new scheme to make the city centre a safer place for people to go out and party.

More than 40 licensed premises in the city centre have signed up to Nightsafe - the licensed trade’s equivalent of neighbourhood watch.

The initiative, an extension to the Pubwatch scheme and radio system that has been in existence for about 12 years, will see pubs, clubs, bars and restaurants work with West Mercia Constabulary, the Licensed Victuallers Association, and Safer Worcester Partnership to improve the safety and security for staff and customers.

It means that revellers caught causing trouble could face lenghty bans from all licensed premises signed up to Nightsafe.

Speaking at the launch at Bushwackers in Trinity Street this morning, Linda Griffin, owner of the Swan with Two Nicks and Drummonds in New Street, said: “This is very important because we are sending out a very strong message that licencees are responsible and we want to ensure we have got a safe city centre at night.

“The night-time economy is very important to the city and so is the safety of our customers, staff and the general community.”

Night-time economy officer PC Russ Baynton said: “We are looking to promote Worcester as a safe place to come and enjoy a night out.”

As well as a way to reduce alcohol-related crime in the city, Nightsafe is also being looked at as a way for licensed premises in Worcester to strengthen ties and work together during what is their most testing time for trading to date.

For more on this story see tomorrow’s Worcester News.