A PIONEERING scheme has been launched in Bury to call time on crime and drunken violence.

The "Bury Safe and Sounds Project' is a joint campaign between Bury Police, Bury Council and licensed premises in the town centre, aimed at reducing alcohol-related crime in pubs and clubs.

The scheme to keep Bury's pubs and clubs "safe and sound" involves a number of measures including the installation of internal CCTV systems, linked to a central "Nitenet" system.

This surveillance will allow communication between licensees, as well as deterring potential offenders and excluding offenders.

Victims of drunken assaults will also be able to seek "sanctuary" in special rooms that have been set aside in pubs. They will offer casualties a safe area to wait for medical treatment and also have access to a phone line to contact and inform their families of what has happened.

Bar staff will be trained in emergency first aid and other safety procedures such as the removal of glass and bottles. Member pubs will also employ registered door staff to deal with drunken troublemakers.

To become members of the scheme, licensed premises are required to meet certain criteria. Accreditation certificates will then be presented to fully audited venues. A majority of town centre pubs have already joined the initiative.

PC Chris Haslam, Bury Police's Licensing Officer, said; "The "Bury Safe and Sounds Project" simply aims to improve the minimum standard in licensed premises in the area.

"As a member of the scheme, the pub or club can display its certificate of accreditation, reassuring customers that the venue is doing all it can to ensure a safe and crime-free evening, while at the same time deterring troublemakers.

"The initiative will benefit the whole community, making Bury a safer place to live and to visit for a night out."