A UNITED front is being presented against drunken troublemakers who threaten to damage the reputation of Bath's nightlife.

City police are promising to come down hard on the people responsible for street fights and other violence sparked by heavy drinking.

However, licensees have been warned they will also have to play a role in the new scheme or face the risk of rejection when their licences come up for renewal.

Greater use will also be made of the city centre's CCTV cameras in pinpointing trouble and identifying the culprits.

Inspector Tim Harris, whose Bath North sector includes the city's main nightspots, aims to reduce the number of offences by ten per cent this year.

He said: "We are trying to nip things in the bud. Violence often stems from quite minor public disorder, and by adopting this uncompromising stance, we hope to reduce the severity of the incidents and in the long term, the number of offences."

Sector officers will be working with Bath and North East Somerset Council's CCTV officers, using the system to provide evidence of offences.

Insp Harris added: "By the time officers attend the scene of reported public disorder it is often over. But they will view the CCTV tapes in order to see if any offences have been committed and bring any troublemakers to book.

"The message is this, if you come to Bath to get drunk and step over the mark you will find yourself before the court. At the moment Bath is a city where people want to come out for a good time, and we want to make sure it stays that way.

"The real victims of these sort of violent incidents are often those not directly involved, but the family or couple out for the evening who have been shocked, upset or put in fear by witnessing it."

Insp Harris hopes Bath's leisure trade will support the scheme, which is aimed at protecting and encouraging the people who visit the city.

Officers will be looking at the pattern of violent crime across the city centre to see if there are particular troublespots.

Any evidence from this will be used, if necessary, to oppose licence renewals at pubs and clubs which are causing concern.

The offence of 'violent crime' now includes harrassment, public order and domestic incidents under new rules introduced by the Home Office in April this year.

Police hope to work with interested parties such as Abbey Neighbourhood Watch, the city centre manager, B&NES, licensees and Door Safe staff.