DRUNKS and troublemakers could be drinking in the last chance saloon if they do not change their ways.

That was the message from Great Harwood's police and landlords after they set up the town's first Pub Watch scheme to exclude unwelcome customers.

Although the scheme was only set up last week a handful of known troublemakers have been barred and some have been sent letters warning them that they have three months to improve their behaviour.

PC Helen Jackson said that if they did not take advantage of this probationary period they will be excluded for a year and in some cases even longer.

She also said that as they are looking to extend the scheme to Rishton and Clayton-le-Moors.

Pub Watch was set up after the town's publicans approached the police to do something about a number of assaults, drunken behaviour and criminal damage which were spoiling the town's image. Although there had been no increase in trouble and Harwood did not stand out against other towns, both the police and the landlords wanted to lower the number of incidents.

As well as regular meetings, landlords have set up a telephone network to warn each other about potential trouble and distribute pictures of known troublemakers.

Richard Davies, of the Lomax Arms, Blackburn Road, said: "Our first meeting went really well. A few people have already been barred and some have been sent letters so we're sending a strong message out to troublemakers."

Michael Davis, of the Cross Axes, Church Street, said: "It's a joint venture really, Helen started to come into all the pubs for a quick chat and it grew from there. We all got talking and it became apparent that we have a few unruly people who are troubling the whole town."

PC Jackson said: "Within the town centre we've had incidents of criminal damage, assaults, and drunken behaviour that have occurred during and after opening hours. There hasn't been an increase, it's just that we want to reduce the number of cases such as these occurring.

"With this scheme we hope to do our bit to help regenerate and improve Great Harwood.

"Initially the focus area will be Great Harwood town centre incorporating all local public houses. Once the scheme is in place it is hoped that this will spread to local clubs and the two adjoining towns of Rishton and Clayton-le-Moors.

"After a period of four months it is hoped that this scheme will interact with Accrington Pub Watch, which has had a successful 12 months."