POLICE and landlords have hailed the success of an initiative aimed at keeping troublemakers out of a district's public houses.

Since it was launched about six months ago, up to 50 pubs have signed up to the Stanley Pubwatch Scheme and 33 troublemakers have been barred from licensed premises.

Stanley town beat officer PC Sarah Hindmarsh said the scheme had been set up to help publicans protect themselves and their premises by liaising with each other, the police and Derwentside District Council.

She said: "For example, if pub staff are threatened or damage is caused as result of an incident, the licensee can bring the matter up at one of the regular Pubwatch meetings.

"Committee members will then decide whether the person responsible should be barred.

"In such a case, a ban would extend to all licensed premises in the scheme."

Individuals are informed of the ban by letter and are invited to contest it if they want to at another meeting. If a ban is breached, the committee can extend its length.

Those taking part in the initiative display posters informing patrons of their involvement.

A radio system has also been introduced enabling staff to contact other licensed premises, notifying them of any incidents occurring in the vicinity.

Gary Hocking, who is the manager of Blue Boar Tavern, in Stanley, said: "The scheme has lifted the morale of landlords who support each other - and we have the full backing of the police, if the need arises."

Keith Christopher, scheme treasurer and landlord of Masons Arms, in Stanley, said: "The scheme has been excellent. Even having posters up serves as an effective deterrent to any potential troublemakers."

Stanley Pubwatch meetings take place on the first Monday of each month at Stanley Workingmen's Club, with the next one held at 2pm on February 2.

Police officers and representatives from the district council will be present.

PC Hindmarsh said: "The response to the scheme has been encouraging and it is good to see so many becoming involved.

"However, we would like to see more coming along.

"The meetings provide an excellent forum in which to circulate information and that can only be a good thing."