TROUBLEMAKERS in Evesham's pubs and clubs are being targeted in a campaign to clamp down on their rowdy behaviour.

Licensees and police have teamed up for the PubLink scheme, which is being launched tomorrow ( Friday).

It will provide a message linking service between signed up town centre venues and has been devised by Evesham beat manager PC Paul Adams and the licensees.

It is hoped this will enable pubs and clubs to contact the police with information about those causing trouble and follows the success of a similar scheme, which has been operating in Worcester for nearly a year.

The scheme has been welcomed by venue bosses who say the town has its share of troublemakers.

Jason Cooper, duty manager at The Swan Inn, in the High Street, said the pub could have used a radio when it had troublemakers in last week and said the scheme would his staff and customers peace of mind.

"We've signed up because of the benefits it will bring to us and other pubs and clubs being linked," he added.

"This is a preventative measure and if we have trouble from people, we can then warn the other pubs and clubs not to let them in or serve them."

He said the radios included a panic button connected to a control room, which could then focus CCTV cameras on problem areas. "Whenever you mix alcohol and people there's always going to be a problem," he added.

His views were backed by Jason Williams, managing director of Praesidium Security Limited, which provides doorstaff for Evesham licensees. He said the more people signed up to the scheme, the safer the town will be.

He said: "We've actively used this in Cheltenham and other places in the West Midlands and we know that it works.

"There are troublemakers in Evesham and that's bad news for the area but this radio link will help us to alleviate various problems and incidents that occur inside and outside the town's pubs and clubs."

PC Adams said the scheme was about bringing peace of mind to the customers and staff who drink and work in the town's bars and clubs.

He said: "It works similarly to the retail shop radio network and is linked to CCTV cameras. If there's a troublemaker who causes a problem, the cameras will be able to instantly take a good picture of those responsible."

He added that those caught would be excluded from all pubs in the town.

"People want to go out in the evening and enjoy themselves without the bother of trouble and disorder," he added.

He said the scheme in Worcester had had a dramatic impact and hoped Evesham's would be just as successful.

"The theme is community, as the pub is not just an isolated building in the town.

"It's all about making Evesham safer and giving people peace of mind."