THUGS, troublemakers and hooligans are to be banned from Radcliffe's pubs and clubs for a minimum of three years.

A new scheme has been launched aimed at making pub and club-going safer and more pleasant.

Licensees at all of Radcliffe's 43 pubs have signed up for Pub and Club Watch.

"There was no problem encouraging them to get involved and their enthusiasm has been superb," said PC Ruth Halligan, who founded the scheme locally.

She said: "It started in Whitefield two years ago, spread to Bury and now we have brought it to Radcliffe."

The idea behind it is to make it clear that trouble-makers will not be tolerated in Radcliffe's pubs and clubs.

Anyone being violent, intimidating or dealing in drugs will be banned.

PC Halligan said: "Licensees will be able to alert others to banned customers. It could mean the offender will have to go to another town just to have a drink in a pub."

Between last August and the end of July, there were 21 alcohol-related incidents in the town centre alone, ten of which involved violence.

The worst flashpoint day tends to be Saturday, with Tuesdays and Sundays close behind.

Pub and Club Watch will hold quarterly meetings where licensees will be able to put forward their views on everything from plans for 24-hour opening to children in pubs.