LANDLORDS in Melksham offered overwhelming support for the town's Pubwatch scheme at a crisis meeting.

Chairman Cameron Scott said about 20 members attended to help breathe new life into the group.

It had been in danger of collapsing because landlords were angry with the level of criticism drinkers had received from residents at a public meeting to discuss anti-social behaviour in the town.

Mr Scott hopes Pubwatch can now work more closely with the town council to make pubs safer.

He said: "The meeting was very productive. We have now re-formed and regrouped and hope to go forward and help the town.

"We are willing to find out what the council needs from us to make the town safe and we will tell the council what we need to make the pubs safer."

An action plan will be drawn up at the next meeting in January and Mr Scott is confident none of the 27 pubs on the books will resign despite threats from landlords to pull out of the scheme last week.

He said: "People were upset and just wanted to throw their teddies about. Police have showed their full support which is marvellous.

"Everybody is positive now and we are putting this hiccup behind us."

Melksham mayor Terri Welch was pleased Pubwatch was back on track.

She said: "It is invaluable. I think a lot of organisations need to reassess every so often to see where they are going. Only then can they become more efficient.

"The town council has great respect for Pubwatch. It was all a storm in a teacup.

"Only one licensee expressed concerns. Other licensees are firmly behind Pubwatch.

"I think it is important Pubwatch works with the council for the benefit of people in Melksham."

Acting inspector Mike White, of Melksham police, said officers would continue to work closely with the group.

"We are delighted they are re-forming and we will be working with them to reduce the amount of disorder in the town," he said.

"It is certainly of note that since it formed there has been a large improvement. However, we are now faced with the fact that licensed premises stay open later which causes specific issues in the town centre.

"There are problems, albeit minor, which are the result of drink. It is our job, working with Pubwatch, to try and reduce that."