MORE than 30 pubs and clubs are joining forces to reduce ant-social behaviour.

The Ferryhill and District Pub Watch scheme will co-ordinate measures to tackle crime and disorder and create a safer environment.

Most licensed premises in Ferryhill, Chilton, West Cornforth and Bishop Middleham have joined the initiative, which will be launched on Saturday.

Members will meet regularly to discuss incidents and decide how to deal with disruptive customers, considering measures that range from issuing cautions to imposing bans.

The consequences for persistent and violent offenders could be far-reaching, as the group will eventually link up with neighbouring schemes so that bans could be extended.

Chairwoman Emily Jones, secretary of Mainsforth Community Centre, said: "This scheme is the ideal way to share information about problems and other issues, such as licensing and health and safety.

"Hopefully, this will deter troublemakers in the first place but if someone does persistently step out of line they won't be able just to move on to the next place and cause trouble there."

The fire service and trading standards will join the council and police to visit licensed premises to check there is no underage drinking and ensure safety and licensing laws are being observed.

A telephone procedure is being set up to allow members to contact each other about incidents as they happen.

Sergeant Kelvin Vincent said: "The formation of this pub watch will set acceptable standards of behaviour for people using all licensed premises in the area, thus promoting a safer environment for customers and staff alike.

"Any person involved in violence, drug use or causing damage to property could find themselves being barred from all 34 licensed premises."

Licensees across the country are being encouraged to join similar schemes.

A spokesman for Sedgefield Borough Council, the local licensing authority, said: "This is a very important step in the fight to reduce alcohol-related crime throughout Sedgefield Borough.

"This new pub watch has the full support of Sedgefield Borough Council and ensures that the majority of towns and villages throughout the borough will now be covered by such schemes."