Officially launched last week at the Red Lion in Oswestry, Pubwatch is a national scheme and aims to tackle the problems caused by binge drinkers and to improve the safety of other revellers.

So far, 27 Oswestry Licensees have signed up to the scheme, agreeing on a policy to stamp out public disorder, assault, criminal damage and drug offences by linking with one another.

The pubs will be connected by radio link so that if there is an incident at one premises, the others can be alerted to be on their guard, should the offenders try to enter their pub.

Tony Smalley, Licensing Enforcement Officer for Oswestry Borough Council was at the launch and said: "Oswestry has got a bad reputation for drink related crime, but we don't know why.

"This scheme isn't about banning people for good. There will be people who are given a ban for that night, but the aim is to improve safety for people out in town."

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