A TOP scheme has been launched to tackle night-time violence and disorder in Bromsgrove town centre and Charford.

Police in Bromsgrove have joined forces with local licensees and the Bromsgrove Community Safety Partnership to launch the project.

The aim of BAND, which stands for Bromsgrove Against Night-time Disorder, is to tackle persistent levels of violence and disorder in the town centre and Charford areas.

The initiative, which forms part of the ongoing Pubwatch scheme already established in the town, is specifically intended for tackling offenders committing serious crime.

The principal aims of the scheme are to reduce alcohol-related crime, violence, disorder and anti-social behaviour, and to tackle the use and supply of drugs within licensed premises, as well as underage drinking.

Chief Inspector Charlie Hill, of Bromsgrove police, said: "This initiative has our full support. All licensees approached have agreed to join BAND and our thanks go to them for their enthusiasm and assistance in these early stages."

He added: "The aim of the scheme is to reduce disorder and it will mean that anyone who is banned from one pub will be banned from every pub participating in the scheme.

"The key message is simple - banned from one, banned from all."

Every participating licensee will also display a distinctive poster at their premises to inform their customers that the scheme is in operation.

Anyone arrested within the designated area of BAND will be issued with an interim banning order. This will state which establishments the person is excluded from and the period of the ban. All banning orders will be served by the police.