A NEW scheme aims to put an end to the anti-social antics of rowdy revellers who are making residents' lives a misery.

People in the Low Fell area of Gateshead are fed up with drinkers making noise, fighting and causing damage on their way home after a weekend night out.

Now police, Gateshead Borough Council and the landlords of the nine pubs in Durham Road are launching a pubwatch scheme to bring order to the area.

The pubs will warn each other of troublemakers by radio and drinkers who cause trouble or get violent could be barred from all the pubs in the scheme.

Inspector Steve Fear, of Gateshead East Area Command, said: "We received a number of complaints from residents living near pubs in Low Fell and have been working with licensees and the local authority to provide positive joint action.

"We believe that by setting up a pubwatch scheme we will be sending a clear message that we will not tolerate anti-social behaviour.

"Officers will also be continuing a high-profile presence in this area, to reinforce the scheme and support pub staff.

"If troublemakers persist in rowdy or violent behaviour then licensees could ban them from all nine local pubs - we hope that this deterrent is not needed, but it is an option available."

Councillor Malcolm Graham, the cabinet member responsible for community safety, said: "Schemes such as this have an excellent track record.

"Experience elsewhere has shown that they discourage those most likely to create problems and can make a real difference.

"I know local residents will be taking a keen interest in this scheme and I am certain that with the support of licensees, the police and the public, it will help to make a real difference to the area."

The scheme will be launched on Monday.