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

More than 40 licensed premises 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 each other, West Mercia Constabulary, the Licensed Victuallers’ Association and Safer Worcester Partnership to improve the safety and security for staff and customers.

It means troublemakers could face lengthy bans from all licensed premises, either through the court system or decisions made by the Nightsafe committee.

Speaking at the launch at Bushwackers in Trinity Street yesterday, 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.”

Darren Pinches, owner of Bushwackers, said: “Worcester’s a very good city and there aren’t too many problems but, with the current environment as it is and the university getting bigger, we need a better understanding and deal with things as a group.”

Night-time economy officer PC Russ Baynton said: “I don’t necessarily think Worcester is any worse than anywhere else but there is always room for improvement.

“We wouldn’t be supporting this unless we believed there’s a real benefit to it.

“We really want to push the message that Worcester is a safe place to come and drink, and if you do cause problems you won’t be allowed in most licensed premises.”

As well as reducing 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.

Trevor Pepper from National Pubwatch said a safe nightlife is “vital to the growth of Worcester”.

“This is not just about banning people, it’s about working together and getting the best out of our customers,”

he said.

“Everybody is scrapping for the few pounds people have got left to spend and, when the country goes into a recession, traditionally it is the leisure and entertainment sector that gets hit first.”