LANDLORDS in Old Town are taking a tough line on troublemakers following the re-launch of the area's Pubwatch scheme.

The scheme, which has been kick-started by 10 landlords, aims to root out unruly drinkers and louts and make Old Town a safe place for people to socialise.

Nicky Fitzgerald, chairwoman of the Pubwatch scheme and landlady of the Victoria pub on Victoria Road, said that the scheme was all about information sharing.

She explained: "We had had a Pubwatch scheme for several years but with so many changes in management and landlords, it fell apart.

"Now we have nearly a dozen drinking houses working together sharing information on the troublemakers.

"If you are banned from one you are banned from all the pubs.

"We are determined to make sure that Old Town remains a nice, safe place for people to enjoy themselves."

There are also two nightclubs in the scheme Soda on High Street and Studio in Hoopers Place, which was formerly Mission.

If louts strike at one pub or club, landlords and managers can get onto the phone to the next pub to tell the doormen who to look out for.

That message will be passed on to each pub in the chain.

The scheme has already seen one person banned from Old Town's participating pubs and clubs for three years.

Lionel Starling, licensing officer for Swindon Council, welcomed the scheme and has helped to set it up.

He said: "Pub landlords work very long hours, so I congratulate them for giving up their time to work together with us to make their areas safer."

The Pubwatch scheme in Old Town is based on a national template of similar schemes running across the rest of the country, working alongside the police and local authorities to tackle anti-social behaviour in pubs and clubs, thereby protecting staff and customers alike.

Similar schemes are already operating in the town centre and Gorse Hill, as well as in Highworth and Cricklade, and are achieving some success in dealing with such anti-social behaviour.

Premises taking part in the scheme

Fusion, The Goddard Arms, Kings Arms, Longs Bar, Pipers Arms, The Roaring Donkey, The Royal Oak, Soda, Steam Railway, Studio, Victoria.

Anthony Osborne