PUBLICANS could pay for extra police patrols to cut down on drink-related crime.

Club and pub managers are in talks with police on Teesside over funding more police on the beat on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

The officers would focus on the concentration of pubs, clubs, takeaways and restaurants between High Street, Yarm Lane and Prince Regent Street, in Stockton.

The proposal has come from the Pub Watch partnership of operators of licensed premises and police in the town.

Acting Chief Superintendent Len Ross said: "We are still in the negotiation stage. They (Pub Watch) actually suggested it - a very positive move.

"It is going to make Stockton safer."

Stockton recently came top for safety when compared with crimes of violence in 33 other police areas.

Acting Chief Supt Ross revealed last night that there are proposals to ban traffic in Yarm Lane, between Prince Regent Street and High Street, between 9pm and 6am, to try and eliminate road safety hazards for when revellers from pubs and clubs spill out on to the streets.

He said: "We are concerned about public safety - for people to come and enjoy themselves. This shows we have such a good working partnership between the licensees, the police, the council and councillors.

"It is a credit to the people of Stockton."